Positive Effects of Physical Activity and Sports on Child Development Research Paper

Positive Effects of Physical Activity and Sports on Child Development - Research Paper Example But how much activity is enough and what is the minimal level of activity that is needed to remain healthy, active and fit? Many guidelines have been proposed during the years, and the most commonly minimal stated amount of time that children should spend outdoors is 30 minutes (Janssen and LeBlanc, 2010, pp1). Guidelines recommend that the levels of physical activity should be increased gradually to almost 90 minutes per day (Janssen and LeBlanc, 2010, pp1). These guidelines and others have been formulated keeping in mind the minimal requirements of physical activity needed for the proper development of children. The level of activity differs from age to age; therefore even in children the time for their optimal physical development may differ. Following these guidelines may prevent some of the problems of sedentary lifestyle that are already emerging in children. In the United States approximately 45% of the boys and 32% of the girls participate in youth activities and sports in 20 01 (Cooper, 2010, pp 8). Although these rates seem healthy, they are not, for the rest of the children may not be taking part in sports at all, or may be doing so at a very minimal level. While one can see the positive benefits of physical activity on the children who do undergo it, there is need to identify what effects do not having any physical activity lead to (Cooper, 2010, pp 1). An important point to remember is that all individuals, regardless of their age and gender, need to undergo daily physical activity and exercise to lead healthy lives and prevent themselves from different ailments. Another consideration is why there is a difference between the levels of activities carried out by boys and girls. There is need to remove the sociocultural perceptions that boys play rough sports while girls stay at home and play with dolls. Physical activity is as important for girls as for boys (Cooper, 2010, pp 4). Studies show that children of both genders may have different motivation to carry out physical activity, and may perceive its results differently (Cooper, 2010, pp 4). However, a sad development in this matter is that physical activity has been substantially reduced or either almost eliminated in many schools across United States. This may aggravate the already worsening situation of sedentary lifestyles among children. The reasons stated for this cut are high costs and more emphasis on academic performances. This may be one of the most convincing reasons why the current generations of children are displaying adult related illnesses at very young ages. Obesity is increasing among children, which is taking a form of an epidemic now. The percentages of schools providing physical education have dropped to 3.8% for elementary schools, 7.9% for middle schools and 2.1% for high schools respectively (Active Education, 2007, pp 2). This means that these children are unlikely to be carrying out any physical activity outside of school premises either, since schoo ls provide the most fertile location to carry out sports. The impact on the children physically and mentally is evidenced through many epidemiological studies. But there is also no significant improvement in the academic scores of children when they are not undertaking physical activity (Active Education, 2007, pp 3). Combined survey results from the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Australia showed that academic performa