+44 07513 522 896
info@ptcsports.co.uk
+44 07513 522 896
info@ptcsports.co.uk
Did you know that children in the UK spend an average of 5+ hours a day on screens outside of school? It’s an uncomfortable read, but sadly many of us rely on screens to help us juggle work and family life, and of course that’s before the great British weather puts a damper on any outdoor fun too!
There is no denying that screen time can be useful; long plane journeys are made a lot easier and some of the shows and games available can be educational too- thanks Miss Rachel! However, increased screen time comes at a cost. Studies show screen time has a negative impact on physical fitness, mood, sleep and social development.
January is the time that many of us set health and fitness goals, so why not include the whole family and set out for 2025 to be the year for helping your kids ditch the tablet and embrace the joys of active play, outdoor adventures and fun-filled sports that keep everyone moving together?
What Is the Cost of Screen Time?
We know screen time is on the rise and physical activity levels are falling. We now have solid data that proves excessive screen use is linked with a host of worrying consequences including, but not limited to, reduced physical activity levels, increased rates of obesity, eye strain, poor posture, amplified anxiety, disturbed sleep, reduced cognitive functions and behavioural issues.
Life is about balance, and that includes screen time. Screens aren’t going to disappear- they are a part of modern life, however when speaking to parents, the desire seems to be for more intentional and planned screen time rather than children simply sitting in front of a screen to pass time by.
Why Switch Screens for Sports?
Active play and sports have a host of physical benefits including improved motor skills and stamina, enhanced well-being and confidence, and improved teamwork and social skills. Sport is a great alternative to screens, so here is our tried and tested advice on how to switch from screens to sports.
1. Lead By Example
Kids mirror our actions so avoid using your devices in front of them. It’s surprising how often you pick up your screen to doom scroll- out of sight is out of mind. If you’re not active yourself yet, start moving this year and set a good example.
2. Plan Active Family Time
Get your kids involved! How do they want to spend the weekend? Swimming, mini golf, bike rides, adventure trails, a visit to the skateboard park, trampolining centres, the options are endless! Let them help plan and reduce the mental load.
3. Utilise School Offerings
Many primary schools offer extracurricular activities, and the very best ones use us! Speak to your child’s school to see what they offer; this could be breakfast and after school clubs, as well as holiday clubs or sports teams.
4. Track and Time
Plan how long you feel comfortable with allowing your child to watch TV or use the iPad, and then set a timer. Once the time is out, viewing is over. There are apps and settings to help with this, for example, Apple’s Screen Time feature lets you set limits on app usage and schedule downtime. They also have the Guided Access feature which locks the iPad to a single app and allows you to set a time limit.
5. Think Outside of the Box
The cold weather can sometimes stand as a barrier to keeping us all active, but the good news is- there’s indoor sports too! Discover our blog with 10 indoor sports ideas:
6. No Such Thing as Bad Weather
As the saying goes, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!’ Acquiring some good waterproof and warm outdoor clothes will prevent bad weather from being an excuse to getting outside and moving this winter.
Let’s make 2025 the year we swap screens for sports. Whether it be ditching tablets for tennis or iPads for ice skating, lets consciously create healthier, happier kids!
Here at PTC Sports, we pride ourselves on being ahead of trends to ensure we offer the best experience for all our students. As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking back and acknowledging how sports and physical education in schools has evolved over the year. 2024 was the year for sustainability and a focus on going green, and with 2025 on the horizon, we forecast another exciting year ahead with a focus on embracing the power of technology and an emphasis on inclusivity.
Here are our predictions for what we expect in school sports and physical education over the coming year:
Tailored Fitness: Embracing Uniqueness
Gone are the days for one-size-fits-all ‘cookie cutter’ lesson plans! Schools are starting to embrace that PE needs to be planned, adapted and tailored to ensure all learners’ needs are met. According to the NHS, in the UK, development disorders affect around 18% of 7 to 11-year-olds. For these children to access their physical education in line with their peers, they often require tailored approaches to support their concentration, impulse control, motor skills and to prevent sensory overload. We predict that 2025 will be the year where schools will offer a greater variety of sports and fitness adapted to meet individual needs. Whether it’s a sport or a new activity they are trying, the focus will be on making every child feel capable and confident. At PTC Sports, we are proud to already offer this personalised approach.
Active Blasts: Moving in the Classroom
Awareness about different learning styles has made huge strides in how teaching is delivered. 30% of primary age children are kinaesthetic learners and all children benefit greatly from regular movement in classrooms. Studies show that just 2-3 minutes of physical activity every 2-3 hours can improve engagement, behaviour and learning outcomes. We predict more schools will implement the ‘Active Blast’ approach, where brief physical activities between lessons or tasks will be introduced to help students refocus and feel refreshed and more motivated to learn. Other benefits of regular movement breaks include enhanced memory, improved behaviour and better physical and mental well-being. When students engage in physical activities between lessons, blood flow to the brain is increased, delivering more oxygen and energy which boosts their focus and performance in the classroom. If you’re a school and looking for inspiration, we recommend imoves.
Updating Workspaces: Stand up Desks
2024 was the year where sitting was cited as the new smoking, and awareness of the dangers of prolonged periods of sitting saw workplaces introduce stand-up desks, and in some cases, under desk treadmills! We predict that in 2025, more schools will offer sit-stand desks, where students can adapt to sitting or standing. There are a host of benefits of standing desks including improvement to posture, cognitive function, memory and engagement. In addition, incorporating movement into classrooms will help to support dynamic learning and allow many students to feel more comfortable and alert, both of which benefit their mental and physical well-being and thus, are likely to translate to increased academic performance.
Mindfulness Matters: Introduction to Yoga and Meditation
At PTC sports we are passionate about all sports, including yoga!
Studies have repeatedly shown children who practice yoga often feel calmer, happier, more relaxed and less stressed than those who don’t. Needless to say, there are a host of other benefits too!
You can read more about the benefits of yoga here on our blog: https://ptcsports.co.uk/latest_news/5-reasons-why-yoga-is-a-must-try-activity-for-the-whole-family/
While physical fitness is a priority in the curriculum, mental well-being is becoming a key focus, with approximately one in ten primary aged children having a recognised mental health condition- that’s around 3 in every class.
In 2025, we expect mindfulness techniques to play a larger role in schools, whether that be used in PE lessons or as an alternative sanction to detention. Schools that have implemented mindfulness have reported a reduction in suspensions, as well as improved attendance and attainment. The goal is to help students develop resilience, emotional strength and the skills to regulate their emotions both inside and outside of school.
We predict that more schools will integrate mindfulness into their curriculum, whether through yoga, breathing exercises or meditation. We recommend Cosmic Kids on YouTube as a good resource to get started at home.
Sensory-Friendly Play Areas: Inclusive Playtime
Arguably the favourite part of a student’s day is playtime. While we already know it aids their social, physical and motor skills, it also boosts their cognitive development. 2025 will be the year schools will upgrade play areas to make them more inclusive. Improving areas with things like accessible equipment, quiet zones and sensory areas, which will make a huge difference to children with sensory needs. Sensory-friendly playgrounds encourage all children to explore, engage and be active without feeling overwhelmed, allowing them to experience the joy of play in spaces designed to meet their unique needs.
At PTC Sports we are proud to embrace change, and constantly aim to improve and adapt, ensuring we provide the best experience for all our students. 2025 is set to be an exciting year as we embrace more movement and greater inclusivity. We are ready to offer the most innovative and engaging sports coaching to inspire the next generation of athletes.
