Mental Health and the Importance of PE, Sport and Physical Activity in the Curriculum

08/10/18

World Mental Health day takes place on 10th October 2018.

Mike Crichton, afPE’s Chair has provided the following update:

The Importance of Physical Education, Sport and Regular Physical Activity in the Curriculum

As we know there is a growing concern surrounding social, emotional and mental well-being, particularly amongst children and young people. Mental health problems can affect anyone, the most common forms being anxiety, depression, phobic anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. We need to be aware of those children and young people who are vulnerable to suffering with these problems and ensure we create the right conditions and support systems to counteract this ever-growing and worrying situation. There are no quick fixes, but we know in a school setting, the importance of providing a rich, broad, deep and exciting curriculum must not be underestimated.

Physical education, sport and regular physical activity is part of a deep, rich, broad and exciting curriculum. It provides children and young people with the opportunity to express themselves physically, challenge themselves and others, experience different environments and activities, work together and release energy which helps de-stress and lowers anxiety levels. Research is very clear about the benefits of physical activity. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is clear about the positive relationship between physical activity and improved mental health. Exercise has an effect on certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin. Brain cells use these chemicals to communicate with each other, so they affect your mood and thinking in a positive way. By creating a positive environment and by putting PE, sport and regular physical activity at the heart of school life, we are supporting and helping improve the health and well-being of our children and young people not only now but into the future.

Sue Wilkinson MBE, afPE’s CEO said:

The Association is committed to supporting improved outcomes for the physical and emotional well-being of all children and young people. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the workforce has access to the best support possible to ensure that they have the skill set to achieve the outcomes.”

 

“We look forward to working with key national partners to achieve a high impact PE, Sport and Physical Activity workforce.”