Introduction

With a mere quarter of teenagers achieving the American Heart Association-recommended 60 minutes of regular exercise, the impact on teen health is widespread. Location, resources available, and socioeconomic status all play large roles in determining adolescents’ physical activity level. It is the responsibility of public schools to address this problem by expanding physical education programs without sacrificing academic outcomes through a range of new, cost-effective, and realistic interventions. Various levels of strategies and alternatives need to be implemented in order to engage students who are not successful using conventional methods or organized sports. By promoting additional physical activity, youth from various backgrounds can gain not only increased physical health advantages but also self-determination, self-concept, executive functions skills, interpersonal skills, self-regulation, and mental health.

Negative Impacts on Adolescent Health

Avoidance of usual exercise during youth is associated with a wide array of health outcomes, including a greater risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and decreased fitness level. Besides, low physical activity is inversely related to brain gray matter volume, which can lead to cognitive impairment and other issues (Kokubun et al., 2021). The COVID-19 pandemic also exacerbated this situation, with a drastic decline in moderate to vigorous physical activity among adolescents aged 10-14 years (Nagata et al., 2022).

Addressing Physical Activity Decline in Schools

While elementary schools typically need recess and P.E. classes, the emphasis in adolescence diminishes with fewer mandatory recess periods and voluntary P.E. classes. Disturbing, nearly half of American high school students are not enrolled in any P.E. classes during a given week, and only slightly more than half engage in at least one sports team (Zimlich, 2018). This decline in physical activity is particularly pronounced among low-income groups and racial and ethnic minorities, making the need for targeted interventions all the more pressing (Fessler et al., 2014; Nagata et al., 2022).

Integrating Academics with Physical Activity

Combining academics with physical activity provides a viable solution to addressing the absence of exercise among adolescents. Ongoing physical activity not only constructs physical health but also promotes mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety while enhancing executive function skills and academic achievement (Jarbin et al., 2021; Hilton et al., 2020). Because adolescents spend significant time in school, schools provide the optimal setting to promote physical activity while cultivating intellect and social competence.

Conclusion

All in all, the majority of America’s teenagers are failing to achieve physical activity guidelines, and there are important health consequences. It is imperative that public schools intervene to counteract this tide by implementing novel, evidence-based strategies to maximize physical activity without compromising academic excellence. By adding physical activity to the school curriculum, educators can encourage not just physical well-being but also cognitive growth, social skill, and mental health among teens.

References

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PSY FPX 6030 Assessment 3 Lack of Physical Activity: The Impact on Adolescent Health 

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Shimoga, S. V., Erlyana, E., & Rebello, V. (2019). Associations of social media use with physical activity and sleep adequacy among adolescents: Cross-sectional survey. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(6), 14290. doi:10.2196/14290

Sibold, J., Edwards, E. M., O’Neil, L., & Close, D. M. (2019). Bullying environment moderates the relationship between exercise and mental health in bullied U.S. children. Journal of School Health, 90(3), 194-199. doi:10.1111/josh.12864

Staiano, A., Kihm, H. S., & Sandoval, P. (2018). The use of competition to elicit vigorous intensity physical activity during children’s exergame play. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, 110(3), 39-47. doi:10.14307/JFCS110.3.39

PSY FPX 6030 Assessment 3 Lack of Physical Activity: The Impact on Adolescent Health 

Woodforde, J., Alsop, T., Salmon, J., Gomersall, S., & Stylianou, M. (2021). Effects of school based before-school physical activity programmes on children’s physical activity levels, health and learning-related outcomes: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2021-104470