Limited time and access to PE still a challenge

Sport is a key factor in children’s positive self-image but new research suggests limited time for PE in schools and varying access to facilities remains a challenge.

The study of child wellbeing found frequent involvement in sports enhances self-image. Although the data analysed by ESRI research professor Emer Smyth, from the ‘Growing Up in Ireland’ study, did not distinguish between sports at school or elsewhere, she said those who take part are likely to have at least some involvement through school.

“This poses challenges for schools in a context where an average of one hour a week is devoted to physical education, schools vary in their access to sports facilities and in their provision of extra-curricular sport, and children differ in their access to team-based sport outside the school setting,” said Prof Smyth.

She said parents can play a key role in facilitating participation in sports, as well as contact with friends outside school, both of which are important in fostering positive self-image.

Girls are more likely to be anxious than boys, particularly in classes of 30 or more and multi-grade primary classes that are common in smaller schools. The report links the impact of multi-grade classes on girls’ confidence as learners, their body image, and how popular they see themselves to the different reference group available to girls in these settings, where they compare themselves to a wider pool of students, including older peers.

The impact of increasing schoolwork demands as they move through junior cycle also emerged, as 13-year-olds in second-year had poorer self-image than those in first year, particularly on academic performance.