Silent Health Crisis in Schools: Why Are Our Children at Risk?
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The data we obtained from MeMap's Fitness Check-Up applications conducted in schools paint a rather bleak picture for the future health of Turkish youth:
In a 0-100 point system, students' average fitness score is only 36.4.
The scores of some students range between 5-10; this indicates a dangerously low level of physical capacity.
Despite this, all students receive full 100 points in physical education.
This means: Schools are creating a fake sense of “success” while the health of the children is at risk.
What Does This Mean for Turkey's Future Health?
The fitness level of today’s children determines the health map of tomorrow. If such a low level of physical capacity is at stake at such a young age, we are facing the following scenario:
Obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases will become even more prevalent.
Preventable diseases will emerge at earlier ages.
Turkey's healthcare system will struggle to bear the burden of lifestyle-related diseases.
The most concerning aspect is this: In the education system, nobody is aware of how bad the situation is.
Faulty Physical Education System: How Did We Get Here?
Real fitness levels are no longer measured.
• Students receive high grades just for attending class, not based on their physical abilities.
• Criteria such as strength, endurance, agility, or metabolic health are not tracked in any way.
Children are more sedentary than ever.
• Due to screen time, urbanization, and lifestyle, daily activity has significantly decreased.
• Schools focus on fun activities instead of instilling structural fitness habits.
Fitness is not seen as a long-term health investment.
• Physical education is often considered as “a fun subject,” ignoring its connection to health.
• Without an accountability system in schools, no one assumes real responsibility.
Solution: A State-Supported School Fitness Standard Is Essential
If nothing is done, this silent crisis will continue to deepen and grow. However, it is still possible to change course:
Mandatory Fitness Standards Upon School Entry
• Just as students must meet specific academic qualifications, they should also provide basic fitness levels.
• Fitness should be one of the core components of the education system.
State-Supported Fitness Check-Up Applications
• Just as vehicle inspection is mandatory, health and fitness measurements for children should be made compulsory.
• Waiting for families to receive fitness training takes too long; therefore, legal regulations are necessary.
Personalized Fitness Plans
• Fitness intervention plans tailored to each child’s needs should be developed.
Realistic Physical Education Grading
• Assessment and evaluation systems based on physical abilities should be implemented instead of attendance.
Long-Term Health Education
• Parents, teachers, and decision-makers must recognize that fitness is not just a class, but a public health priority.
Final Word: Fitness Should Not Be a Choice But a Necessity
The data is very clear - our children are not healthy enough, and no one is taking this seriously. If we continue this way, Turkey's health crisis will begin even before the students reach adulthood.
Vital Question: Students cannot pass a grade if they fail math or science. So why can a physically unfit student continue their education in the same way?
Now is the time to act. Schools must recognize that true fitness can be measurable. If not intervened, we will fail to prepare the next generation for a healthy future.
Tansu Mehmet
Founder of Fitness Check-Up
