University of Cambridge research
New research suggests school uniform requirements can hinder physical activity among young people, especially elementary school girls.
A study from the University of Cambridge analyzed data from more than 1 million children aged 5 to 17 around the world. They found that in countries where most schools require students to wear school uniforms, fewer young people meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
The findings are reported in the Journal of Sport and Health Science.
The authors suggest that this may be explained by the fact that younger children engage in more incidental movement throughout their school days than older children. For example, through running, climbing, and various other forms of active play during recess and lunch. There is already evidence that wearing certain types of clothing, such as skirts and dresses, makes girls feel anxious about participating in active play.
The study was led by Dr Mairead Ryan, a researcher at the University of Cambridge’s School of Education and the MRC Epidemiology Unit.
“Schools often prefer to use uniforms for a variety of reasons,” Ryan says. “We are not trying to propose a blanket ban on them, but rather to present new evidence to support decision-making. “School communities should consider design and ensure that certain features of uniforms are We could consider whether to encourage or restrict opportunities for physical activity through
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WHO recommends exercise for children to prevent obesity
The WHO recommends that young people average at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day per week.
This study confirms previous observations that most children and adolescents, especially girls, do not meet this recommendation. The difference in the proportion of boys and girls meeting physical activity guidelines across all countries was, on average, 7.6 percentage points. Existing evidence suggests that uniforms may be a factor.
However, children often take time away from physical education and sports classes to exercise. “Activities such as walking or biking to school, recess games and after-school outdoor play all help young people incorporate physical activity into their daily lives,” Ryan said. “That’s why we’re interested in the extent to which different elements of young people’s environments, including their clothing, promote such behaviors.”
Nearly 1.1 million children were surveyed
The study analyzed existing data on the physical activity levels of nearly 1.1 million young people aged 5 to 17 in 135 countries and used this to determine how common the use of school uniforms is in these countries. combined with newly collected data about
In more than 75% of countries surveyed, the majority of schools required students to wear uniforms. The study found that participation in physical activity was low in these countries. In countries where uniform wearing is the norm, the median proportion of all students meeting WHO recommendations was 16%. In countries where uniforms are less widespread, this percentage rose to 19.5%.
There were consistent gender differences in physical activity levels between boys and girls, with boys of all ages 1.5 times more likely to meet WHO recommendations. However, the gap widened from a 5.5 percentage point difference at primary school level in countries without school uniforms to a 9.8 percentage point difference in countries where uniforms are compulsory in most schools.
This finding seems consistent with evidence from other studies suggesting that female students feel more self-conscious about engaging in physical activity when they wear uncomfortable uniforms. “Girls may feel less confident in activities such as cartwheeling and falling on the playground or riding their bikes on windy days when wearing skirts or dresses,” said Esther, senior author and MRC investigator. Dr. Van Sluis says. “Social norms and expectations tend to influence what you can do with this outfit. Unfortunately, that’s the problem when it comes to promoting physical health.”
Childhood obesity poses a serious health risk worldwide
Factors contributing to this epidemic include sedentary lifestyles, increased consumption of processed foods high in sugar and fat, and decreased physical activity. The effects of childhood obesity are severe, leading to a variety of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, childhood obesity often persists into adulthood, exacerbating long-term health risks.
The authors of this study argue that there is now sufficient evidence to warrant further investigation into whether there is a causal relationship between school uniforms and reduced activity levels. They also emphasize the importance of regular physical activity for all young people, regardless of gender.
“Regular physical activity helps support a range of physical, mental and wellbeing needs, as well as academic achievement,” says Ryan. “Based on these findings, we are currently investigating questions such as how long students wear uniforms after school, does this vary by context, and how broader gender dress norms influence student activities? We need more information considering the factors.”
(With inputs from ANI)
