Overview

Chile has implemented a new law,Law No. 21,778, requiring all schools nationwide to provide students with at least one hour of daily physical activity.The law, which came into effect on Friday, December 1, 2023, aims to​ address growing concerns about sedentary behavior and excessive ⁣screen time among ‌children and adolescents.

The initiative⁣ is​ aligned with recommendations⁤ from the ⁣World Health Institution (WHO) and mirrors similar policies ⁤already in place in countries like Finland,⁤ France, and China.The goal is ⁣to promote healthier habits and mitigate the health risks associated⁤ with prolonged inactivity.

Details of the Law

Law No. 21,778 doesn’t simply mandate‌ an hour of ⁤formal Physical Education (PE) class. ‍ The law allows for versatility in how ‍the hour of physical activity ​is delivered.⁤ According to⁢ reporting by Emol, the activity ‌can be⁤ integrated thru active games in kindergarten, and adjusted to physical‍ exercise in basic and middle school. This approach acknowledges the developmental needs of students at diffrent ages.

Chile’s Minister‍ of Sports, Jaime Pizarro, ⁤ stated in La‌ Tercera that the policy is intended “to discourage sedentary behaviors and excessive time on screens, risk factors for our boys and girls.”

International Context

Chile is joining a growing number of nations recognizing the importance of​ physical activity for youth health. Finland,France,and China have already implemented guidelines similar to those now mandated in ⁢Chile,all drawing from WHO recommendations on physical activity. These recommendations emphasize the benefits of regular physical activity for⁣ physical and mental well-being, as well as academic performance.