Only 23% of Bhutanese Adolescents Meet Physical Activity Standards, Partners Urge Greater Investment in Play

Thimphu, June 11: With only 23 percent of adolescents in Bhutan meeting recommended levels of physical activity, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF), and UNICEF Bhutan have called for renewed efforts to prioritize play and physical activity as essential components of child development and wellbeing.

Marking the International Day of Play on June 11, the three organizations issued a joint statement highlighting growing concerns over sedentary lifestyles among children and young people and emphasizing that play is not merely recreation but a fundamental right that supports healthy physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.

According to the statement, recent findings from the Nourishing Bhutan: Tackling the Triple Burden of Child Malnutrition report reveal that nearly four out of five adolescents aged 13 to 17 years are not sufficiently active. The report further indicates that 30 percent of adolescents spend more than three hours a day engaged in sedentary activities, while only 15 percent regularly participate in physical education programmes.

The trend extends beyond adolescence. Data from the National Health Survey 2023 show that young people aged 15 to 24 years constitute the least physically active age group in the country, with more than one in five failing to meet recommended activity levels. The problem is particularly pronounced among students.

The partners warned that declining physical activity levels are contributing to a growing public health challenge. Limited access to safe play areas, increasing screen time, and insufficient opportunities for exercise in schools and communities are exposing children and young people to higher risks of overweight and obesity, as well as non-communicable diseases later in life.

The joint statement noted that the issue requires a coordinated national response involving policymakers, schools, communities, parents, and development partners.

“This year’s International Day of Play reaffirms the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to safe, inclusive and nurturing environments where they can grow, learn and thrive,” the statement said.

The organizations called for stronger and sustained investments in programmes and infrastructure that encourage active lifestyles among children and adolescents.

Among the key priorities highlighted were strengthening school-based physical activity programmes, including regular physical education classes and daily opportunities for active play; expanding access to safe, inclusive and well-maintained playgrounds and sports facilities; and promoting healthier lifestyles while reducing sedentary behaviour among young people.

The statement also emphasized the need to address excessive screen time, which is increasingly affecting children’s wellbeing, creativity, social interaction and family relationships.

Parents and caregivers were encouraged to play a more active role in supporting children’s development through simple and meaningful play activities at home.

“Play does not require expensive equipment,” the statement noted. “Time, interaction and connection are often enough to create joyful and enriching experiences for children.”

The partners stressed that investment in play should not be viewed solely as a recreational expenditure but as a strategic investment in Bhutan’s future. Evidence globally has shown that regular physical activity and play contribute to better health outcomes, improved academic performance, stronger social skills and greater emotional resilience.

The observance of the International Day of Play comes at a time when Bhutan, like many countries around the world, is grappling with the effects of increasingly sedentary lifestyles driven by digital technology, urbanization and changing social habits.

Officials say ensuring access to quality play opportunities is critical not only for improving physical health but also for supporting children’s overall development and helping them build confidence, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development, the Bhutan Football Federation and UNICEF Bhutan reaffirmed their commitment to working together to create environments where children can safely play, learn and develop.

“As we celebrate the International Day of Play, we reaffirm our shared commitment to protect play, protect childhood and ensure that every child in Bhutan has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential,” the statement said.

The observance serves as a reminder that while play may appear simple, it remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient investments a society can make in building healthier, happier and more resilient future generations.

By Staff Reporter

Post Views: 21