Too much school work not healthy for children – Doctor

A general physician, Dr. Tosin Odusanmi, has said too much school work without extra-curricular activities was not healthy for a child.

Odusanmi of Alafiatayo Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, said this while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Ibadan.

He said while education is a priority for many parents seeking to secure the future of their children, it should be balanced with leisure activities.

He said: “Today, you see children not being given as much time to engage in extracurricular activities as before.

“You see many children doing more school work even after school.

“Parents are not the only ones guilty.

“Many schools also do not make available enough time and space for children to engage in physical activities.”

The doctor said while intellectual development was good, it should also go hand in hand with physical activities like sports, games and playing with other children.

Odusanmi said: “Studies have shown that spending too much time on homework means that students are not meeting their physical developmental needs or cultivating other critical life skills.

“For instance, physical activity in children improves their strength and endurance as well as the health of the child.

“It also helps to build healthy bones, muscles and helps to control weight.”

According to him, engaging a child in extra-curricular activities helps to promote social development.

“It encourages the child to work together and share ideas with other children and this helps in emotional development as well,” Odusanmi said.

NAN.