Bring back the Play in Playtime

Recently an article appeared on the BBC website about a study from Liverpool University on the differences between male and female activity levels. The study, which was conducted on school playgrounds, indicated that girls aged 10-11 were less active than their male counterparts. Girls tended to stay in small groups and socialize rather than engage in physical activity. This lack of activity might suggest one reason why girls are at greater risk for obesity. Furthermore, the study suggests that schools should pay more attention to the differences between male and female activity and provide provisions that would encourage more physical activity from females.

I think this study brings up many interesting facts and raises an issue that deserves serious consideration. One thing that this brings to mind for me is the apparent lack of thought that many schools here in the US put into the physical activities that their students engage in while at school. Whether called physical education class, health class, gym class or recess, for the most part these playtimes are treated as a time for the teachers to relax and these classes are thought of as a free hour for the children to socialize with their friends. All too often the individuals leading these gym classes are under qualified and/or working with and outdated curriculum that does not foster the ideals that promote a healthy lifestyle. At the National Institute of Sports Professionals we strongly believe in promoting healthy lifestyles for young people. It is important to promote the correct habits in these formative years.

School’s must work harder to promote physical activity and this starts with recognizing how to best implement this ideal. As the study mentioned above points out, schools must recognize the differences between sexes and not just put forth a generic program. Schools must seek out help from qualified professionals who can guide them on how to create an effective program that will appeal to children. By doing this, schools will help children develop healthy habits that they will carry with them throughout their life and perhaps help lower the obesity rate.