More Playtime in China: Kids Get Extra Breaks for Fun and Health!
Hey there! 🎉 Have you ever wished for a longer break at school to play and have fun? Well, kids in Beijing are getting just that! Starting in the fall of 2024, primary and secondary schools in Beijing are giving students a 15-minute break during the day. That’s 5 minutes more than before!
Why is this happening? The extra break time lets students stretch, play, and enjoy activities that help them stay healthy and happy. “After the exercises, I feel full of energy,” says Zhou Lezhi, a junior high student in Beijing. “It’s really fun to do different kinds of exercises during the break, and it feels really different to do the activities created by ourselves.”
But it’s not just Beijing! All over the Chinese mainland, schools are adding more recess time and making sure kids have enough physical education (PE) classes. This way, students can balance studying with staying active and fit.
A Leader Who Cares
Chinese President Xi Jinping believes that kids’ health is super important. He thinks that strong and healthy children are the future of the country. That’s why he often talks about making sure kids have time to play sports and exercise.
In 2023, before International Children’s Day, President Xi visited a school in Beijing. He told students how important it is to grow strong, learn new things, and develop their talents. He said that playing sports and exercising are the best ways for kids to stay healthy.
Big Plans for Young People
The Chinese government has made many plans to help children grow up healthy and happy. In 2021, they made a big plan called the “Outline for the Development of Chinese Children (2021-2030).” This plan focuses on children’s health as a top priority.
In 2022, they updated a law to support sports and physical activities for young people. They want to make sure that all students get to play and exercise at school.
By 2035, the goal is for all primary and secondary school students to have at least two hours of physical activity every day! This will help fight problems like weak eyesight (myopia) and obesity.
Stronger Kids, Stronger Future
With more time to play and exercise, schools are helping students become faster, stronger, and healthier. President Xi says, “China will be strong only when its young people are strong.” 💪
Isn’t it great to see kids getting more time to have fun and stay healthy at school? What kinds of activities would you like to do during a longer break?
Reference(s):
Intl Children's Day: China's efforts in children's health, development
cgtn.com
