A new study to be conducted in Greater Manchester will look to examine levels of physical activity and wellbeing across 250 secondary schools.
The study is designed to not only provide a basis for gathering data on young people’s wellbeing but to dispel the impression that they are just “people who get GCSE results.”
The Greater Manchester young people’s wellbeing programme will examine their levels of physical activity in addition to their feelings. Regular exercise can have a substantial impact on mental health as well as providing improved motor, social and cognitive skills.
A reduction or lack of physical activity for any period of time could correlate strongly with poor wellbeing in this study.
Nearly two-thirds of parents believe that wellbeing is a key factor in choosing a child’s secondary school, in comparison to 48% that said the same of exam results.
70% of parents with children between the ages of 11 and 16 said their children’s wellbeing had suffered during the pandemic.
The research is the brainchild of David Gregson, a philanthropist that argues that the pressure placed on children to make academic goals has neglected the physical health and wellbeing of children in the UK.
The University of Manchester will be conducting the research alongside the Youth Sport Trust with a view of having the results immediately available to Greater Manchester authorities.
Gregson added: “We’ve got ourselves into the position where we think that attainment is the be-all and end-all and I don’t agree with that. I want to change that dialogue and I want to improve the wellbeing of young people in Greater Manchester to prove that point.”
Click here to find out more about the study.
