Physical education is a nationwide struggle for many students.

Students have varying opinions on the value of physical education classes.

Physical education teachers believe physical education has a positive effect on teenagers. It has been proven to positively impact health by engaging young kids in new activities and exercises that are fun and help students stay in shape. For some kids, this may be the only activity they get all day.

Gianna Bunnelle, 10, says “It is good for students to have a phys. ed class so they are not just sitting in a chair every day all day.”

Not everyone feels that a physical education class is needed. Some students become anxious or stressed when having to change in the locker rooms or even simply just participate in the class.

Kalli Halas, 10, said that she gets stressed about the limited time we have to change. She said, “I feel rushed and it gives me another reason I don’t want to go to Phys. ed class”

High school can be emotionally and physically exhausting for many students. Teenagers do not want to put themselves in additional uncomfortable situations. Many students have experienced some degree of bullying or teasing in school. 

According to Human Kinetics, 28% of students have been bullied in Physical education. Physical education teacher,

Mr. Elwood Perry, says, “Maybe students will bust their friends in class for mistakes during activities like dropping a pass or getting out. These types of situations are dealt with during or after class. I would not tolerate to see a student or students bully another student physically or emotionally.”

“Physical education should not be optional, but a mandatory core subject.  Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States, putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health,” according to Perry. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, 55% of children who deal with obesity grow to become obese teens.  Furthermore, around 80% deal with obesity in adulthood.

A benefit of physical education is that it challenges them and teaches kids important skills such as teamwork and problem-solving.

Gopher Sports states, “During physical education, students can hone those skills that can lead to a healthier and more successful life by improving their fitness”. 

Physical education is a Pennsylvania graduation requirement.  Currently, Alaska, Arizona, and Colorado do not have physical education requirements for students.

If students struggle with changing in locker rooms or participating in physical education, they have trouble graduating high school. This could lead to more significant issues and stresses high school students would have to deal with. It also jeopardizes graduation rates and state funding