A national survey on the well-being of Chinese secondary school
students has shown that their physical conditions are poor due to a
lack of exercise.
The survey shows that half of the students have high blood
pressure and the number of overweight students is double that from
five years ago.
The survey was conducted by the Ministry of Education, Ministry
of Health, and State Sports Administration.
It also indicates a physical decline in vital capacity, speed
and strength while heights and weights continue on an upward
curve.
The Beijing Municipal Commission of Education says elementary
and secondary students in Beijing have on average more than eight
classes a day, double the amount of class hours allowed by state
regulations.
"More than 60 percent of head teachers of elementary and
secondary schools in Beijing admit that the students are overloaded
with school work and many schools cannot let students have physical
education every day," said Du Songpeng, deputy director of the
commission.
Some schools cancel sports events they think are too dangerous
in order to avoid accidents, which makes it difficult to improve
the physical condition of the students, Du said.
The commission has ordered schools to set aside sufficient time
for physical exercise, which will be listed as one of the
evaluation criteria of a school's overall performance, he said.
(Xinhua News Agency June 12, 2006)