Teenagers are up against a lot of different challenges these days.
For one thing, many teens were adversely impacted by the rise of remote learning that took place during COVID lockdowns. As it turns out, children learn best when they’re in classrooms, around their peers, and exposed to other people.
Over the years, it’s also been revealed that social media has negative impacts on teenagers.
Certain social media companies have even been slammed for their algorithms that are intentionally addictive and designed to keep users engaged for longer stints of time.
However, a new issue is plaguing teenagers. As it just so happens, this issue deals with a lack of physical activity, per The Hill.
A Serious Health Issue For Teenagers
Exercise comes with a laundry list of physical, cognitive, and emotional health benefits. People who get regular physical activity are also more likely to avoid medical problems that can be seriously debilitating.
Unfortunately, information from the University of Georgia shows that a strong majority of teens are missing the exercise they need to be healthy.
Teens are advised to get an hour of exercise each and every day. Yet, unfortunately, 75% of teenagers are falling short of this metric.
Teens who exercise decrease their chance of developing a glioma brain tumor by a third compared to those who do not exercise.#WednesdayWisdom #healthcare #fitness pic.twitter.com/ENFNrmi9aV
— YouCanReBoot (@UCanReBoot) June 15, 2022
Studies determined that a huge factor in the lack of exercise deals with allotted recess time, the environments at different schools, and even physical structures.
High school students, in particular, are seeing a drop in the necessary exercise they should be getting, per health officials.
It goes without saying that teenagers who don’t get the necessary physical activity can also grow into adults who are deprived of exercise as well. In the long term, this often leads to a series of health complications that can be easily avoided.
How to Turn the Curve
Schools can play a vital role in making sure that teenagers are able to get the exercise they need.
In many cases, this will involve ensuring that recess times are adequate enough for children to run on the playgrounds, use swings, and otherwise obtain regular physical activity in.
Think resting all day would give you more energy? The opposite is actually true. Regular #exercise can help improve energy levels and fight fatigue, according to research from The University of Georgia. https://t.co/htMtJMCuVH #HealthTips #wellness pic.twitter.com/fsSTIuhXaf
— Kristen Jakobitz (@KristenJakobitz) June 9, 2022
Schools can also increase the levels of teen exercise by ensuring they have an environment that’s conducive to physical activity. Gym class, which generally exists separately from recess, is one great avenue for this to happen.
Since most teenagers take classes that last for one hour each, gym class can be the ideal time for teens to get the consistent amount of daily exercise that’s recommended by health officials.
Are you worried about the impacts of teenagers missing out on the exercise that is suggested by the experts? In the comments area down below, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts about what can be done to increase teens’ physical activity levels.
