Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification. I do not agree with Chu Kwok-keung, the lawmaker representing the education constituency, who said a single measure such as enforcing one hour of exercise for children per day was incapable of solving the mental health crisis among students and that “the one hour of exercise must be accompanied by reduced content and homework” (“Hong Kong should enforce guidelines on pupil exercise time at school, mental health advisory head says”,
January 14).
According to the Education Bureau, physical education is one of the eight key learning areas and “contributes greatly to enabling our students to lead a healthy lifestyle”. The bureau recommends allocating 5 to 8 per cent of the total lesson time to general physical education. Schools have a duty to provide enough time for exercise and cannot blame heavy homework.
The positive effects of exercise on student mental health have been well-studied. These include better resilience and increased self-esteem. In fact, exercise is associated with a lower risk of academic burnout.
Students spend a large amount of time on their smartphones and gadgets. A study found that primary school students spent two hours a day on electronic gadgets and secondary school students eight hours a day. The Covid-19 pandemic
has worsened the situation. It is not that students do not have time for exercise – they have plenty of time for their screens. The question is how to motivate them to sacrifice an hour of screen time to exercise.
Another benefit of exercise, particularly outdoor activities, is the reduction of myopia, or short-sightedness. Hong Kong children have one of the world’s highest prevalence of
myopia. Lack of outdoor activities and high near-work activities such as using digital devices are among the risk factors.
As a parent of two boys, I understand the stress of homework and exams. Most parents are willing to support schools in creating a healthy environment for their children. I would love it if schools reduce homework.
