Relationship between Bullying and the Type of Physical Activity Practised by Spanish Pre- and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

The influence of bullying on physical activity beyond school time is uncertain, as it can vary widely in terms of type, modality, duration, adult supervision, and objectives.

METHODS

This study aims to analyze the relationship between school bullying and the type of physical activity practised. To this end, a descriptive study was made of 2025 pre- and adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years, reporting on their participation in victimisation and perpetration. The EBIPQ and PAQ-A were used. An analysis of the relationships between these variables was carried out according to gender and type of activity practised.

RESULTS

The results showed a higher rate of victimisation in boys who did not practise physical activity. Meanwhile, perpetration was higher in those who practised organised physical activity, especially in boys. Depending on the type of physical activity, the higher levels of both victimisation and perpetration of those who practised wrestling activities stand out in comparison with other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

It could be stated that physical activity may be a protective factor against bullying victimisation, especially in boys. However, participation in organised physical activity activities may be related to higher perpetration in this sample in adolescent boys.

Loving lunch in junior high: Lunchtime activities and a sense of belonging in school

We explore student lunchtime experiences as they relate to student sense of belonging. We use SPSS Two-Step cluster analysis and logistic regression of data from a schoolwide survey (n = 830) in the United States. Stepwise modeling is used to determine the importance of clusters representing lunchtime activity preferences and love of lunch on belonging scores. Loving lunch significantly positively affects school belonging. Students naturally group into five distinct different activity profiles based on lunchtime preferences. These profiles are significantly related to a sense of belonging. Being active with peers during lunch was most strongly correlated with sense of belonging. Lunchtime warrants more attention for fostering a sense of belonging in the school community. Broadening lunchtime activity options, especially in schools where there are few available ways for socializing and being active, has the potential to support the diverse needs of students and increase belonging.

From policy to practice: Examining the role of recess in elementary school

Objectives

Study design

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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School’s investment in recess significantly predicts the quality of the recess environment.

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Presence of school policies relating to access to recess significantly predicted one measure of children’s physical health.

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Two thirds of participating elementary schools provide less than 30 minutes of recess per school day.

School recess and pandemic recovery efforts: ensuring a climate that supports positive social connection and meaningful play

As Canada’s schools reopen, attention to healing the school community is essential. Given the considerable stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unsurprising that recent studies find Canadian children’s mental health in decline. As social connection is tightly entwined with children’s mental health, supporting school-based spaces for quality social interactions and play will be an important postpandemic recovery strategy. Children will need opportunities to re-establish positive social connections at school, and informal spaces such as recess and lunch are an ideal time to afford these opportunities. Yet many schoolyards have long been challenged by social conflict that can interfere with children’s need to connect with peers. Therefore, efforts should be directed not only at mitigating the effects of social harm, but also toward ensuring social and physical landscapes that are meaningful, inclusive, and engaging for children and adolescents of all ages. Recommendations for postpandemic recovery are provided.