Recent studies of the Academy of Physical Education (AWF) indicate serious problems with the level of physical fitness among children in Poland. The results of these analyses, published by prof. Anna Fijałkowska, an expert from the parent and kid Institute in Warsaw, are disturbing. Only 6% of primary school pupils show physical fitness adequate for their age, which is an alarming phenomenon.
Loss of basic physical skills
Professor Fijałkowska emphasizes that today's children have difficulty in performing basic exercises that were natural for their parents.
“Suitable skills, specified as jumping on a rope, carrying out a turn forward or hanging on a bar for a certain time, are dramatically low compared to the 1970s,” says Fijałkowska.
According to her, the reason for this condition is the deficiency of engagement in physical education lessons, which is exacerbated by excessive usage of smartphones, computers and a general deficiency of movement in everyday life.
Obesity Problem Growing
Another worrying trend that the investigator points out is the increasing proportion of children struggling with obesity. statistic show that all 5th boy aged 8 and 10-11% of girls endure from obesity. The reasons for this phenomenon are primarily a sedentary lifestyle, besides short sleep and easy access to unhealthy foods like fast food.
Not only physical consequences
Fijałkowska warns that the impact of excessive time spent in front of screens, the alleged screen-time, goes beyond the physical wellness of children.
“Unfortunately, the time before the monitor involves not only the limitation of physical activity, but besides the fast increase in emotional and intellectual disorders among children,” adds the professor.
These disorders include problems with concentration, aggression, anxiety, or sleeping problems, which further burdens young organisms and hinders appropriate development.
Remedies needed
Professor Fijałkowska's recommendations are clear. In order to reverse this worrying trend, immediate action is needed at different levels. It is crucial to increase the physical activity of children, not only at school, but besides at home. An crucial step is besides the education of parents who should limit the time their children spend in front of the screens and pay more attention to healthy eating habits.
How can parents support children’s physical development?
As part of the fight against these negative phenomena, parents can take respective simple but effective steps:
- Joint exercises: Organizing physical activity, specified as walking, cycling or motion games.
- Limiting pre-screen time: Setting the maximum number of hours spent on your computer or phone.
- Healthy Diet: Encourage children to eat healthy, nutritious meals, rich in fruit, vegetables and protein.
- Increase in sleep: Making certain that the kid sleeps at least 9-10 hours a day, which is crucial to his development.
Summary
Recent studies indicate that the physical performance of children in Poland is highly low, which has extended consequences not only for their physical health, but besides for their intellectual health. This problem is simply a consequence of multi-factory, including both inactivity and bad eating habits and excessive time spent in front of the screens. Only joint actions by parents, teachers and institutions can reverse this negative trend and guarantee healthy improvement for young generations.
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Physical fitness of Polish children in alarming condition
