School uniforms make life easier for parents.But can it have any negative effects? children’s health?
A study published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science suggests that school uniform policies can act as a barrier to children’s daily physical activity.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge, UK, physical activity Data from more than 1 million young people ages 5 to 17 in 135 countries through an online survey.
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The researchers found that in countries where school uniforms are common, fewer children engage in an average of 60 minutes of physical activity each day, the university said in a press release.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adolescents between the ages of 5 and 17 average at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day.
Research from the University of Cambridge in the UK suggests that school uniform policies can hinder children’s daily physical activity. (St. Petersburg)
In some countries, majority of schools When uniforms are required, 16% of students meet that standard, the study found.
In countries where uniforms were less prevalent, 19.5% of students achieved the recommended amount of activity.
“Social norms and expectations tend to influence what you can do with this clothing.”
Research has found that female students exercise less than male students.
“Female students may feel less confident doing things like cartwheels and falls on the playground or riding their bikes on windy days when wearing skirts or dresses,” said the senior author. said MRC Investigator Dr. Esther Van Sluis. release.
“Social norms and expectations tend to influence what you can do with this outfit. Unfortunately, when it comes to promotions, physical health, That’s a problem. “
In countries where school uniforms are common, fewer children get an average of 60 minutes of physical activity each day, a new study has found. (St. Petersburg)
Although the study demonstrated a link, the researchers noted that “causality cannot be inferred” between uniforms and reduced activity.
Small past studies have suggested this effect.
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Based on the findings, the researchers called for further research into the link between uniforms and sedentary behavior.
Dr Mairead Ryan said: “How much time do students wear their uniforms after school? Does this vary by background? How do wider gender dress norms impact on their activities? “We need more information based on these findings, taking into account these factors.” said researchers from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, in a statement.
Based on the findings, the researchers called for further research into the link between uniforms and sedentary behavior. (St. Petersburg)
The goal is not to ban uniforms completely, she said.
“School communities can consider design and consider whether certain features of uniforms promote or limit opportunities for students. physical activity All day long,” Ryan suggested.
“The goal is to work together to improve the physical and academic performance of children, both at home and at school.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Cambridge researchers for additional comment.
Dr. Nadia Teymourian, a family therapist at Moment of Clarity Health Center in California, who was not involved in the study, shared her reaction.
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School uniforms can have several benefits for families, she noted. Mainly reducing social bullying, reducing costs for parents, and reducing peer pressure.
“The lack of focus [of the research] It was the dynamics of the area studied,” she told Fox News Digital.
“I have seen this happen in warmer regions over the years. [California or Florida], children participate in a variety of physical activities. Limitations on physical participation can have a lot to do with weather, finances, and activities offered by the school district itself. ”
The World Health Organization recommends that children average at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per day. (St. Petersburg)
Teymourian noted that many charter schools (government-funded independent schools) do not have physical activity programs and may require students’ families to include activities.
“Charter schools focus more on academics than physical activity,” she said.
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Experts suggested that families should try to participate in documented physical activity to support. better health.
“I would like to see research on the concept of incorporating school and home as a team effort to improve health and wellness,” she said.
“Regular physical activity helps children and adolescents on many levels, including building strong bones and muscles, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing the risk of many health conditions such as heart disease and depression.” the doctor told FOX News Digital. (St. Petersburg)
“The goal is to work together to improve the physical and academic performance of children, both at home and at school.”
“Helping children find appropriate activities that suit their physical needs, personalities, and preferences from an early age is key to making exercise an enjoyable lifelong habit.”
Dr. Marianna Nicoletta Gentile, a pediatric endocrinologist at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, who was not involved in the study, also emphasized the importance of regular exercise for adolescents.
“Regular physical activity helps children and adolescents on many levels, including building strong bones and muscles, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing the risk of many health conditions such as heart disease and depression.” she told FOX News Digital.
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“Helping children find appropriate activities that match their physical needs, personalities, and preferences from an early age is key to making exercise an enjoyable lifelong habit,” Gentile added.
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