Physical Education should not be mandatory in schools!

Physical Education should not be mandatory in schools!

"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it." - Plato. Physical Education (PE or PT) is seen in almost all schools. It’s been there from before our times. For many children it is just a period of sports and fun, but in many schools there is a strict curriculum consisting of various exercises, sports and things useful for betterment of health. It is often considered as one of the most essential part of education. But should it really be mandatory to be a part of PE? Doesn't it have any disadvantages? Shouldn't children and their parents be allowed to decide whether they want PE for their child or not? What has made it a mandatory course almost throughout the nation?

Yes, it should be mandatory –

1. Students mostly try to avoid exercise and a compulsory period of PE can make them do the basic exercises atleast. This is for their own benefit.

2. Regular physical exercises are associated with a healthier, longer life and with a lower risk of serious illnesses and diseases.

3. Studies have shown that physical education leads to improvements in students’ academic performance and cognitive abilities too. Thus mental health too is guaranteed with PE.

4. PE helps build stamina and strength so as to pursue the goals a student has decided. Even if a person is genius, a weak constitution will only drag him down and not let him achieve goals in a timely manner.

5. Childhood obesity is another rising problem. To counter it regular exercise is necessary. PE offers this opportunity.

6. Good exercise habits result in healthier lifestyles which is extremely useful in the future. PE inculcates these good habits.

7. With the current trend of overuse of technology, people are avoiding physical activity. Students no longer play outdoors. Most of them prefer watching TV or playing video-games. PE can offer the required physical activity.

8. "If it weren't for the fact that the TV set and the refrigerator are so far apart, some of us wouldn't get any exercise at all." - Joey Adams.

No, it should not be compulsory –

1. Many countries have kept it optional after a certain age or standard in school. The children there are healthy. We can follow that suit.

2. Physical education courses include fitness training, sports and games that could potentially result in physical injury.

3. Students who don't have much athletic ability may not have the skills necessary to compete or even defend themselves against better or more competitive athletes. This can seriously lead to inferiority complex.

4. Bullying is another phenomenon which is seen during PE. Strong students get a chance to pick on the weak during PE.

5. For students who have only academic interests, PE is just waste of time and energy. Sometimes these students become the target of the bullies.

6. Many a times our PE curriculum is not suitable for physically disabled. But they still have to attend the class. So they either try in vain to do the exercises or remain alone on the sidelines. Again remaining on the sidelines can hurt their self-confidence. If given an option they can devote their time into something else.

7. Mandatory PE classes limit a student's freedom to choose where she wants to invest his/her time.

8. Some people really are not into exercise. A basic amount of fitness is known to all. But many do not want to get involved in an hour long PE period.

9. "I am pushing sixty. That is enough exercise for me "- Mark Twain.

Surely there are pros and cons for mandatory PE, but looking at the current health conditions of people and trends which students are following, benefits of PE will always outweigh the cons. Mandatory PE is like bitter medicine. It’s bitter but necessary. We can surely make provisions to address concerns of the physically disabled. Also we can divide PE into two forms - Basic and Advanced PE, with basic PE consisting of basic exercises which would be mandatory for all. They would not strain a student and would also consume less time. The advanced PE which will consist of outdoor sports and more strenuous physical activities will be optional.