WHO INFORMATION SERIES ON SCHOOL HEALTH ... - PAHO/WHO

Promoting Physical Activity in Schools
Issues related to violence and crime are further barriers to young people’s participation in physical activity
and the provision of save play areas and secure cycle storages should thus be ensured (47;95). Within the
community, schools can advocate safe walking trails, adequate lighting during night and safety patrols to
ensure children can safely get back and forth to school and take part in community sports and recreation.
Poor air quality is a major hindrance for physical activity, especially in urban areas (96). Reducing the
intensity of outdoor activities and organising indoor activities are some of the measures to consider when
confronted with poor air quality. Lobbying and collaborating with local government and municipalities for clean air
regulations can be important steps towards improving the air quality. Active transport to school is another
step towards reducing air pollution.
Injury prevention during physical activity:
Overall, the health benefits of physical activity far outweigh the risks. Having said this, adequate safety
precautions should be established and enforced to prevent physical activity injuries and illness (97;98).
All stakeholders such as teachers, parents, community officials as well students should forge an alliance to
minimise physical activity related injuries and illness among young people.
Preventive measures include:
• adequate education about safety rules such as the use of protective clothing and equipment.
• provision of protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the type of physical activity and the
environment, for example appropriate footwear, helmets for bicycling, face-guards and reflective
clothing (97).
• ensuring compliance with safety supervision.
Exposure to the harmful rays of the sun can be minimised by the use of protective hats, full clothing, and
sun screen. On hot days, children should drink adequate water during play and exercise and should avoid
playing in the direct sun. Activities can be scheduled to avoid midday sun exposure and use of shaded
spaces or indoor facilities. Students should also be taught to recognise the early signs of heat exhaustion (99).
Please refer to ‘Sun Protection: An important Element of a Health Promoting School’ mentioned at the front
cover of this document.
Cold related injuries can be avoided by ensuring that young people wear multilayered clothing while playing
outside, increasing the intensity of outdoor activities in order to produce more body heat, using indoor
facilities during extremely cold weather, and ensuring proper water temperature for aquatic activities.
Children should be provided with adequate training to recognise the early signs of frostbite and hypothermia
such as dizziness and fatigue (99).
In general, children should be taught to stop exercising and report to teachers or parents if they feel pain,
fatigue, dizziness, nausea or serious breathing difficulty.
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