A stereotype that will last forever, are new generations lazier?
One of the biggest factors is technology. It is so powerful, kids have the opportunities to binge watch shows on Netflix, play video games with virtual reality and play on computers for hours.
Statistics show that 1 in 3 students are active, and that kids sit in front of a screen for an average 7 hours a day.
Joshua Mullan, a Personal Trainer at Fanshawe says he has rules restricting the use of technology.
” I’m a big believer in everyday after school you should be outside. You should play road hockey with friends, build a snowman. Those 2 hours before dinner you should be outside”.
Staring at a screen for so long and not being active can lead to obesity which leads to high blood pressure or diabetes.
A potential solution for this? Adding in a second gym class in a day for students or increasing the amount of time outside for recess.
Other options could be restricting times students work on a computer or other technology devices.
” Healthy eating is huge and it should have a grass roots kind of start. Starting when they’re young, explaining the importance of whole foods. There is a big difference between knowing about healthy eating and knowing how to” said Mullan about school’s promoting to their students the importance of eating better.
Next time you have a chance, ask an adult and than a younger child and see their sides on this stereotype that will always live on.
