A study conducted by the University of Cambridge, analysing data from over a million five- to seventeen-year-olds worldwide, revealed that nations with mandatory school uniform policies witness lower adherence to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation of 60 minutes of daily physical exercise among young people.
While the study acknowledges that fewer girls than boys reach the recommended exercise levels across most countries, it highlights a notable gender gap among primary school students in countries with widespread uniform mandates, suggesting that uniforms may play a role in influencing activity levels.
The study, led by Mairead Ryan from the Faculty of Education and MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, emphasises the potential impact of uniforms on younger children, who tend to engage in more incidental exercise during the school day. The research indicates that certain types of clothing, such as skirts or dresses, may make girls feel less comfortable participating in active play, contributing to the observed differences in activity levels.
The results do not definitively establish a causal relationship between school uniforms and reduced physical activity, but the study underscores the need for further investigation. Ryan emphasises that the goal is not to advocate for a blanket ban on uniforms but to provide evidence for informed decision-making. The World Health Organisation recommends an average of 60 minutes of at least moderate-intensity physical activity per day for young people.
The study also confirms previous observations that most children, especially girls, are not meeting the WHO’s physical activity guidelines. Concerns about the design of girls’ PE uniforms and sports kits have been raised, with evidence suggesting that the choice of clothing may influence participation in certain activities.
The researchers stress the importance of understanding how various elements of young people’s environments, including clothing, can either encourage or restrict physical activity. The study combines existing data on the physical activity levels of nearly 1.1 million young people aged five to 17 in 135 countries with newly collected data on the prevalence of school uniform use in these countries.
In countries where a majority of schools mandate uniforms (over 75% of those surveyed), the study found lower physical activity participation, with only 16% of students meeting WHO recommendations, compared to 19.5% in countries where uniforms were less common. The gender gap in physical activity levels remained consistent, but it widened in countries where uniforms were required in most schools.
The researchers advocate for further investigation into the potential causal relationship between school uniforms and lower activity levels and emphasise the need for regular physical activity for all young people, regardless of gender. The findings are detailed in the Journal of Sport and Health Science.
With inputs from ANI.