A concerning study conducted by the University of Hong Kong’s Professor Patrick Ip has revealed that a majority of schoolchildren in Hong Kong are falling short of the recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily, as suggested by the World Health Organization. This alarming discovery sheds light on the sedentary habits that have developed among Hong Kong’s youth, posing significant risks to their physical and mental well-being.
Lack of Physical Activity Among Hong Kong Schoolchildren
According to the research carried out by Professor Ip for the InspiringHK Sports Foundation, less than eight percent of over 1,000 primary and secondary students studied were able to meet the daily exercise standard in the past year. This worrying trend has been attributed to the poor habits that have emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic, where children have been observed to spend their non-school days and public holidays indoors, away from physical activities and outdoor play.
Impact on Future Generations
Professor Ip expressed his concerns, stating, “We have observed a very alarming situation that during non-school days and public holidays, children actually did not go out with their friends, their family members to play sports or do any activities under the sunshine. This turns out to be a very bad habit. If that habit continues, our next generation will be at a much worse physical activity level, as well as having a poor shape in both physical and mental health.” This highlights the urgent need for interventions to promote physical activity among children in Hong Kong.
Call to Action
The InspiringHK Sports Foundation aims to address this issue by setting a target for 2030, hoping that 16 percent of Hong Kong schoolchildren will achieve the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise. To kickstart this initiative, the foundation plans to launch a scheme next year focused on encouraging physical activity among schoolchildren. It is crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to come together to prioritize and support the physical well-being of Hong Kong’s youth, ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.
As a parent myself, this study hits close to home. I understand the challenges of balancing screen time, homework, and outdoor activities for children, especially during these unprecedented times. It serves as a reminder to actively engage our kids in physical activities, whether through sports, outdoor play, or family walks, to promote their overall health and well-being. Let’s take small steps today to create a healthier tomorrow for our children.
