Experts warn about children's physical activity during school term

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Safa Heybet pointed out that children's daily activity levels may decrease with the start of the new academic year, stating that at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day is necessary for healthy growth.

Risk of Inactivity During School Term

Experts state that with the start of the new academic year, children's free daily routine during the summer months is replaced by classroom hours, bus rides, and homework, which increases the risk of physical inactivity.

Pointing out that long hours spent in classes and in front of screens leave children inactive, it is emphasized that movement is not time stolen from education, but a part of healthy development.

Recommendation of at least 60 minutes daily

It is recalled that the World Health Organization recommends an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day for children aged 5-17.

It is stated that physical activity is not limited to gyms; walking, running, cycling, and games also fall within this scope.

Playing Sports Does Not Compensate for Uninterrupted Sitting

It is noted that a child attending a sports practice in the evening does not completely eliminate the inactivity of the rest of the day, and that the total amount of movement matters.

It is conveyed that periods of inactivity can increase, particularly during adolescence, and that attention must be paid to this situation.

Recesses and Movement Breaks

It is stated that school recesses and physical education classes make a significant contribution to children's daily movement, and that primary school children are able to spend even their recesses engaging in active time.

Scientific research indicates that short movement breaks applied between classes can support children's attention and mental skills.