Fifteenth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

Many girls in the UK are not reaching recommended daily physical activity (PA) levels. Primary schools are required to provide 30 minutes of physical activity a day for students, with breaktimes providing an opportunity for children to be physically active. This study explored girls breaktime experiences to uncover barriers faced, with recommendations for schools to address these made, to improve the likelihood of children reaching recommended daily physical activity levels. Data was collected from three schools, using focus groups consisting of 4-5 girls aged 9-11 (Key Stage 2). There was also a mind-map activity. A thematic analysis was carried out, using transcripts and mind-maps, to rank the barriers. Lack of equipment, space and adult supervision meant PA was more difficult for girls. The most common themes contributing to girls being less physically active than boys were: masculine environment; lack of variety of activities; lack of equipment, space and adult supervision; and mixed-gender activities. Boys engaged in more PA due to dominating equipment sharing, creating an environment where girls felt unsafe and became tired due to a resultant lack of game variety. Based on these findings, breaktime PA should be promoted through: additional equipment provision, increased skilled adult supervision and the creation of alternative PA options away from the male-dominated environment.