Elect Elizabeth - How Running a Mile A Day can Transform Children's Lives
We hear endless stories about how the NHS is on its knees. We hear endless stories about disruptive children in the nation’s classrooms. What if there was a local government policy that solved both issues at once?
When Arnold Schwartenegger became Governor of California, lots of people were scornful of his ability to increase educational attainment. But he had one clear policy for schools. He saw the crisis of childhood obesity and responded by requiring every child in California state-run schools to run a mile a day.
Now, I am no great fan of Arnie. Both his films and his personal life leave me cold. But this was his one great achievement.
In California, until the age of 10, children work towards gaining enough fitness to be prepared to run a mile a day. From 11 years old onwards, every day starts with every child running a mile. Obviously, some children will be given medical exemptions, but for those children, a plan is put in place which states what are the reasonable expectations for each child’s fitness.
What is the result?
Massive declines in childhood obesity.
Far less classroom disruption because children are just too exhausted to interrupt. Everyone is calmer when they exercise regularly.
Far better health outcomes for the participating age groups.
Children and teens start thinking of themselves as athletes and make better food choices.
Children and teens have better respect for their own and everyone else’s bodies.
Much less expenditure on medical care for Type 2 diabetes and other health issues for these age groups.
Far less depression and anxiety and other emotional issues.
Non-academic children having an activity to excel in at school, making school a more inviting place for them.
Building esprit de corps in schools = less bullying.
Being outside increases exposure to Vitamin D - almost everyone in the UK is low on Vitamin D and this can badly affect mood as well as diminishing immune functions.
Is this something we could introduce in Marylebone? The Daily Mile started to be introduced in 2016, but lockdown has derailed this early attempt.
We are between two of the world’s great urban parks. Are our children using them to their fullest?
What do you think about this idea? We need to treat the children of Marylebone as our own children. After 2 years of lockdown, they need to be out in the park, running around, as much as possible. It is the most screen-addicted kids sitting alone in their bedrooms who need to be coaxed outside. Having a strict rule developed through local schools is the only way to reach those children.
Of course, we don’t have the daily sunshine quotient of California, but we do have fabulous outdoor space waiting to be used.
This is a policy I will be fighting to implement if you vote for me in the upcoming May 5th, 2022 local election in Marylebone.