The quote, “Many children today go home after school and sit in front of the television rather than play outside,” was given by Dirk Johnson, a writer for the New York Times. Johnsons quote was shared in an article for adoption.com’s artile titled, “No Recess Policies Being Implemented in U.S. School Districts.”
This quote is important, because it gives even more reasoning as to why schools need to keep recess and gym classes. Childhood obesity has been caused due to many environmental factors, but schools are one place that could help make positive changes in children’s lives. During the week, most children spend a majority of their time at school and at home. Parents are usually both at work, until the evening, and that schedule is becoming common in many families. If children are coming home after school with no parental supervision, they will likely be home alone or with a babysitter. Children know they can get away with more actions when their parents are not home. Even if parents set up “rules” for what their children can or cannot eat, kids will find a way to bend the rules and eat whatever junk they want.
Of course not every child is in that type of situation, but many are. In order to guarantee SOME physical activity in children each day, school is a great place to start. Plus, children will enjoy playing and getting some exercise at school, because they will be doing it with friends. Studies show that children are most attentive after recess, which is just one more reason why schools need to take some action in the fight of childhood obesity.
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