HEALTH TALK 2 : 5 Major Systemic Reasons for Inactive School Children

 HEALTH TALK 2 : 5 Major Systemic Reasons for Inactive School Children

Major Systemic Reasons for Inactive School Children

1.                  The 'Invisible' Epidemic:  Physical Inactivity:

It is difficult to conclude whether the lack of attention paid to the high price of physical inactivity is a result of lack of awareness or perhaps a difficulty that countries have in viewing physical inactivity as a 'disease'. Research undertaken by the CFLRI in 1998 found that Canadians hold very positive attitudes about the benefits of physical activity. 

Eight-one percent (81%) find physical activity very beneficial.  In spite of this, two thirds of Canadians are not physically active enough to receive health benefits.  Perhaps we need to revisit our messaging to ensure that government leaders, teachers, community leaders and parents understand that the consequences of physical inactivity not only affect one's quality of life but may also be life threatening.

2.                  Government Leadership:  Missing in Inaction:

Government leaders do not appear to understand the threat posed by physical inactivity.  Leaders have not been highly responsive to research showing the negative impact that increasing levels of physical inactivity has on the health of the economy of the country as a whole. 

As a result, very little policy and resource support currently exists.A number of National and Provincial/Territorial not-for-profit organizations have provided much needed leadership around this issue and have allocated significant resources to awareness raising and have developed excellent programs and resources to assist teachers and community leaders.  Unfortunately the impact of these efforts has been at best sporadic across the country, due in part to the lack of government policy support. 

3.                  The Redundant Physical Activity Delivery System:

 At this point in time, many of the school leaders who are attempting to deliver physical activity programming and activities, are doing so in isolation from the rest of the community. Often the Parks and Recreation Department, the school and the local sport club will all be delivering similar programs to the same age group of children over the same time period.  Much needed resources are being wasted in duplication of effort. Until school leaders and community leaders start to collaborate on their efforts to provide physical activity experiences for children and youth, scarce human, physical and financial resources will continue to be wasted.

4.                  Disappearing Public Funds:

Public funding has been reduced in recent years for physical activity programming in the schools and in the community. User fees for sport and recreation programs are being implemented in many communities in an attempt to offset budget cuts and retain the scope of programming.  This trend toward user fees is making it difficult for some families to keep their kids involved in activity programs.Schools are one of the primary places where children are exposed to physical activity, taught about its value and the necessary skills to appreciate and enjoy activity for a lifetime. 

However, with recent rounds of budget cuts we have seen the elimination of many consultants, teachers and supervisors, as well as a reduction in the time allocated to compulsory physical education curricula.  Also, as a result of fewer funds, many schools have been forced to make decisions among subject areas such as music, art or physical education and some have chosen to drop physical education.The availability and accessibility of physical activity programs and facilities for children and youth who are disabled, female, from lower income homes, or who live in less developed regions of the country is also being negatively affected by reduced public funding.

5.                  Decreasing Numbers of Volunteers:

Volunteers are the 'life blood' of sport, both in the school and in the community at large. Whether that volunteer is a teacher or a leader from the community, the recruitment, training, recognition and retention of qualified individuals who will freely give of their time is of major importance.In recent years, the number of volunteers working in the physical activity field has decreased. 

 The reasons for this are many but the need for both parents to work to ensure the viability of their family is a factor that has had a negative impact.  Many teachers are no longer prepared to volunteer their time to coach school sport teams.  Further, all volunteers face more and more liability issues including safety and injury, allegations of misconduct and legal proceedings.

References

National Academy of Sciences journal (2013). Physical inactivity in children hinders motor skills and academic achievement. Retrieved from:http://neuronetlearning.com/blog/physical-inactivity-in-children-hinders-motor-skills-and-academic-achievement/

Susan E.  (2001) The physical inactivity epidemic:The preventative role of active school communities. Federal-Provincial/Territorial Fitness and Recreation Advisory Committee, ISRC

Overweight and physical inactivity in children living in favelas in the metropolitan region of Recife, Brazil. On-line version ISSN 1678-4782

 Retrieved from: http://dx.doi.org/10.2223/JPED.1862  

.