Children growing weaker as computers replace outdoor activity

Academics led by Dr Gavin Sandercock, a children's fitness expert at Essex University, studied how strong a group of 315 Essex 10-year-olds in 2008 were compared with 309 children the same age in 1998. They found that:

■ The number of sit-ups 10-year-olds can do declined by 27.1% between 1998 and 2008

■ Arm strength fell by 26% and grip strength by 7%

■ While one in 20 children in 1998 could not hold their own weight when hanging from wall bars, one in 10 could not do so in 2008.
...
But the new study also found that children in 2008 had the same body mass index (BMI) as those a decade earlier.
...
It's good news that their BMI hasn't risen, but worrying that pound for pound they're weaker and probably carrying more fat," said Sandercock.
source

Wow, these are large changes for only 10 years. Seems like a small study though.
There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that today's children are heavier than past generations. According to this article, even if they are not heavier, they are likely to be weaker.

If these children are neglecting their physical fitness to such a degree compared with their peers of just 10 years ago, what will be the result? I speculate that a weaker body tends, on average, to lead to a more docile an needy personality and that when these kids grow up, they will be more likely to accept government as their nanny.

reply to post by GalacticJoe


america.

hate to be so blunt but yeah america is all about weaking and dumbing down it's citizens.

Kids become what we make them. We're the one's doing it.

We want to throw this green technology-homosexual-snack time all the time-accept everyone for who they are mentality, then we get mad the kids are gay and fat. We're doing it. Not really including myself in there, but you have to allow creation to be what it is, not what you want to portray to your neighbors.

reply to post by mathematic


Sexuality has nothing to do with this study, being weaker now than 10 years ago, does not equate to being gayer, only in the mind of a homophobe.

They also don't go out more often, plus they maybe getting more intelligent.

BAM skinny, grey big headed freaks in the future, they create a time travel machine and BAM they are our future kids probing us!! BAM!!

Originally posted by indigothefish
hate to be so blunt but yeah america is all about weaking and dumbing down it's citizens.

Hey now, it's not just America. At least, not anymore. I'm in Norway, and I can attest that kids are indeed getting more sicklier. I know a mom, she's rather active and has an ADHD kid. He's always been the skinny type, wanting to play soccer or another sport to let out some of that energy he has. But a couple of years ago, he got his first computer for school. Shortly thereafter, he discovered "WoW" or "World of Warcraft". He's been on that computer day in and day out since then.

So my question is this: Is it us as parents to blame or the government? Granted, the government is at fault for much wrong in the world today. (Not just the American gov, but pretty much every gov out there.) But they can't be held liable for parents just not giving a darn. I've asked her before, "Why don't you unplug his PC and force him out?" Her reply is usually, "Oh that's just mean".

If you're a parent, you need to act like one. Kick your kids off the computer or away from the TV. Sunlight doesn't kill!

/Proud kid of the 80's.

Originally posted by indigothefish
reply to post by GalacticJoe

 

america.

hate to be so blunt but yeah america is all about weaking and dumbing down it's citizens.

edit on 5/24/2011 by indigothefish because: (no reason given)

I agree with you here. From the shows on tv to video games, the fast food the list could go on. I am always urging my siblings and my neices and nephews into outdoor activities and reading books instead of watching tv and playing video games and sometimes it works. I feel like it is intentional, unhealthy and ignorant people in a country are much easier to control.

Originally posted by woodwardjnr
reply to post by mathematic

 

Sexuality has nothing to do with this study, being weaker now than 10 years ago, does not equate to being gayer, only in the mind of a homophobe.

I wasn't trying to offend you, you homosexual. I'm just laying it out like it is. I honestly don't mind that you are gay. I really don't care. Don't call me a homophobe because you are a homosexual. I never intended this. Your homosexuality has nothing to do with my comment, and I'm not trying to offend homosexuals. So you being a homosexual does not offend me in the least bit, but please don't try to deny your homosexuality in this thread because it may make it look like it's a bad thing.

Decline in grip strength?

Did they try to take the xbox controller away from them?

I assure you, grip strength they have...

reply to post by R3N3G4D3


I agree with your assessment.
Also, take into account that radiation causes hair loss and you'll understand why the aliens don't have any hair.

Skinny, big-headed, hairless, and the no sex organs is a whole 'nother topic.

I told you they we feminizing all people so they will be easer to manipulate...It's much easier to control a man with a "Limp Wrist" than one with a "strait and honorable" one...Give it 5-10 more years and boys and men will be wearing bra's....sick bastards already wear silk undies....

reply to post by mathematic


Im not gay

reply to post by GalacticJoe


Kick these kids outside!!! That's what my parents did! Then they were pissed when they found me in the woods somewhere not coming home when they called... anyway KICK THEM OUTSIDE

reply to post by Caji316


No use being humiliating about it, but there is evidence that polar bears living near nuclear power plants are being born with BOTH sex organs and the females can still carry to full term and have normal mothering skills.

Does anyone remember that article that was on ATS a while back about how England wants to give children shots to hold off puberty until they decide what sex they want to be? Could this be the real reason?

reply to post by Frontkjemper

...If you're a parent, you need to act like one. Kick your kids off the computer or away from the TV. Sunlight doesn't kill! ....

What ever happen to "you are allowed one hour of TV during a week night and two hours on Sat" Now go out and weed the garden, mow the lawn, play ball.....

The adults should be getting weaker as well with the pervasiveness of ass engorging office work and how many hours a day they sit in front of the TV.

We're all far less active than we've ever been and it's only going to get worse.

Just look at how popular culture has been idolizing people who go out and actually do simple things like take walks, go camping, plant a garden, in magazines, television and film.

It's become some rare and spectacular event just to get off your ass and out of your house.

not to be off topic but Vitamin D deficiency on a scary growth curve also due to kids being on computers and video games...

s+f for posting an important topic

reply to post by crimvelvet


There is no garden (or if there is it's fancy and pretty and the kid will just ruin it) and mowing the lawn or playing ball are too dangerous.

That's the new parenting.

reply to post by woodwardjnr


Hey man, I'm not here to judge. I have plenty of gay friends. I was never putting them down, but I feel you took offense to one of my comments. I don't want to bring your people down.

I didn't create myself, and I'm assuming you didn't create yourself. Don't let society tell you who you can be. Make the best of it.

Originally posted by peck420
Decline in grip strength?

Did they try to take the xbox controller away from them?

I assure you, grip strength they have...

Yeah- grip strength is definitely prevalent in male youth with the porn that is found online.