Schools fall short of exercise guidelines

DUBAI - Eight out of 10 Dubai schoolchildren are not getting enough exercise at school, with almost half the city’s schools substituting physical education with academic work.

Officials worried about the results of a recent survey of 208 primary and secondary schools have suggested policies such as compulsory daily physical education to combat the sedentary school day.

Public Health and Safety Department health promotion head Dr Fathia Hatim Al Maazmi said the results were concerning as schools were where children spent a majority of their time, and were their “the most effective learning ground”.

“Children follow (in) the steps of...adults and unfortunately a majority of the adults in Dubai do not exercise, therefore it is all the more important that we reinforce good lifestyle habits and importance of regular exercise from a young age (at school).

“There is no doubt that a significant percentage of our population suffers from lifestyle diseases and lack of exercise is one of the main reasons behind this.”

Officials recommend two-and-a-half hours’ PE a week for primary schools and three hours and 45 minutes for secondary schools, while using that time for anything else should be prohibited, they say.

The results of the survey showed only one-fifth of the surveyed schools, both private and state, were implementing this recommendation, while 47 per cent allowed substitution of physical education with other academic activities.

Health police and strategy sector CEO Laila Al Jassmi said keeping children healthy meant encouraging physical exercise alongside healthy eating.

“Children are our future generation and ensuring that they steer clear of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, is essential to ensure a healthy young population.”

Dubai British School sports and activities director Mick Wright said each student had access to two hours of PE a week. Exercise improved concentration and test scores, and reduced disruptive behaviour, he said.

“The skills and attributes gained through sport can be transferred to all areas of learning and can help students become well-formed individuals who have the knowledge and understanding, together with a keen interest in leading an active and healthy lifestyle.”

He said the school provided students a variety of sporting activities from games such as rugby, football, netball and basketball to swimming, dance and gymnastic activities.

news@khaleejtimes.com