More PE classes needed to fight childhood obesity, say school principals

Primary school principals are calling for two hours of PE classes per week to fight childhood obesity.

More PE classes needed to fight childhood obesity, say school principals

Primary school principals are calling for two hours of P.E. classes per week to fight childhood obesity.

The IPPN say a new approach to handle child health and well-being is needed - and the issues will be discussed during its annual conference, which gets underway today.

Over a thousand principals and vice principals will attend.

IPPN President Brendan McCabe says it is important to develop mental health among primary school children.

"Mental health and wellbeing for children is a very serious issue, that is not getting as much attention as it should," she said.

"At the moment, PE, for example, is timetabled for just one hour per week.

"Now, in a recent survey we did of our members, 80% of them tell us that this is not enough time, they need more time for PE.

"And if you think of this, in terms of, say, the obesity problems that are out there, mental well-being problems for children as well, this becomes quite important."

Sean Cottrell, CEO of the IPPN, said: "The health and wellbeing of our children in our classrooms is at risk by virtue of our failure to act.

"Leadership is required urgently to address children’s diet, exercise and fitness’.

"There are some children who are extremely unfit, even though they may not be overweight.

"The Irish Heart Foundation, amongst other associations have identified and researched this problem.

"There is an urgent need to put children’s health and wellbeing in to the minds of every teacher and parent in the country."

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