Yes, it sounds a tad melodramatic but so too are teenagers, and you can’t blame them, considering what they’re reading and watching. They’re no longer looking after themselves because they don’t feel looked after in general. Sadly, according to the CSO, self-propelled transport, walking, and cycling, has fallen by half, from 49.5% of primary school students in 1986 to 25% in 2016. Talking to my students, PE sounds more like a chore to endure, usually sitting in the cold outside, waiting for their turn, busy concocting excuses to avoid soccer for an endless 10-week block. But too many children are still being left on the sidelines; they might not be smoking but they’re getting fatter, and as far as I can see, considerably sadder too.

Source: Irish Examiner January 16, 2020 19:52 UTC