Standardizing the WHO guidelines of physical activity for children and adolescents and consequences for practice in Norwegian Schools

Abstract

In this article the authors discuss the World Health Organization`s (WHO) guidelines for children and adolescents regarding 60 minutes of daily physical activity, and an example on how health-based recommendations are introduced in Norwegian schools though initiatives. The authors, using sociological terms, analyses how phenomenon, such as the lack of physical activity among children and adolescents, are articulated as a social problem and are linked to actions and social groups. Subsequently how these problems and solutions are incorporated in school. The article analyses possible consequences for teaching and for the students when a health-based concept of physical activity is transformed and operationalized in school through the county`s initiative “Active and healthy Kids”. The results shows that the medical health aspect regarding physical activity articulated by WHO, are also linked to cognitive skills and academic performance, and the school’s social mandate. The authors discuss, based on the analyse and results, possible future challenges with incorporating health-based physical activity in subjects in schools.