This guide will help you answer 1.2 Explain the impacts of lack of adequate physical activity on babies and young children’s health, development and wellbeing in the: short-term, long-term.
Understanding the importance of physical activity in early childhood is crucial for child care workers. Physical activity impacts various aspects of a child’s life, including their health, development and overall wellbeing. Neglecting this can lead to serious short-term and long-term consequences.
Short-term Impacts
Physical Health
A lack of physical activity can immediately affect a child’s physical health.
- Weight Gain: Without sufficient exercise, children may start gaining unnecessary weight, leading to obesity.
- Weaker Immune System: Limited physical activity can result in a weaker immune system, making children more susceptible to illnesses.
- Poor Motor Skills: Babies and young children develop their motor skills through activities like crawling, running, and jumping. With a lack of physical activity, the development of both fine and gross motor skills can be delayed.
Cognitive Development
Physical activity stimulates brain growth and cognitive function. When children don’t engage in regular physical activity, you might see:
- Lower Concentration Levels: Physical activities are known to boost attention span and concentration. Without them, children may find it difficult to focus.
- Reduced Academic Performance: There is evidence suggesting that physical activity can improve school readiness and academic skill sets.
Emotional and Social Wellbeing
Emotional and social development also takes a hit when children are not physically active.
- Increased Anxiety and Stress: Physical activity is a natural stress-reliever. A lack of it may cause children to feel more anxious and stressed.
- Poor Social Skills: Physical activities often involve group play, which helps children learn critical social skills like sharing and teamwork. Without it, social development lags.
Long-term Impacts
Chronic Health Issues
The impact of inadequate physical activity becomes even more pronounced over the long term.
- Obesity: Continued lack of exercise can lead to childhood obesity, which often persists into adulthood. Obesity is associated with numerous health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
- Skeletal Issues: Bone health can be compromised. Children who don’t engage in weight-bearing exercises may suffer from weaker bones, increasing their risk of fractures.
- Cardiovascular Problems: Long-term inactivity can lead to heart-related issues, as the cardiovascular system remains under-stimulated.
Delayed Development
Developmental milestones can be significantly delayed.
- Delayed Motor Skills: If children do not develop motor skills early on, they might struggle with coordination and balance in later years.
- Lower Physical Competency: As they grow, they may lack the necessary physical skills that their peers have developed, making them less likely to participate in activities and sports, perpetuating the cycle of inactivity.
Cognitive and Academic Consequences
The long-term cognitive and academic impacts are equally severe.
- Reduced Cognitive Function: Regular physical activity boosts brain health. Depriving a child of this can result in long-term cognitive issues. This includes problems with thinking, understanding and retaining information.
- Academic Underachievement: Lack of physical activity has been linked to poorer academic performance. Children who do not engage in physical activities may struggle more with problem-solving and critical thinking tasks.
Emotional and Psychological Issues
Finally, long-term lack of physical activity can lead to ongoing emotional and psychological problems.
- Low Self-Esteem: Consistent physical activity boosts confidence. Inactive children may suffer from low self-esteem and poor body image.
- Mental Health Problems: Over time, a lack of physical activity can contribute to more serious mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
- Social Isolation: Without the opportunity to engage in physical group activities, children might find it more difficult to form friendships and work as part of a team, leading to social isolation.
Conclusion
Understanding the short-term and long-term impacts of inadequate physical activity on babies and young children is essential for early years practitioners. The immediate impacts like poor immune function, social challenges, and motor skill delays can extend into chronic health issues, delayed development, and severe emotional and psychological problems over time. By encouraging regular physical activity, you can help ensure healthier, happier, and more well-rounded children. Your role is crucial in fostering environments that prioritise and facilitate physical activity. This will promote not just physical health, but holistic development and wellbeing for the children in your care.
