By Esther Onyegbula

A child development specialist and education advocate, Idowu Adekanbi, has called for stronger attention to children’s physical wellbeing, warning that overemphasis on academic achievement at the expense of movement and play could undermine healthy child development.

Adekanbi made the call while reviewing the research book, Physical Education and Wellbeing: Global and Holistic Approaches to Child Health, authored by Timothy Lynch.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, Adekanbi argued that children’s growth should not be measured solely by test scores and academic performance, stressing that movement and physical activities are fundamental to children’s emotional, social and physical development.

She explained that children require environments that encourage free movement, interaction and social engagement alongside classroom learning.
The statement noted that the review examined research findings from Australia, the Middle East, the United Kingdom and the United States, all pointing to the importance of regular movement activities in promoting children’s overall wellbeing.

Adekanbi observed that despite increasing global evidence linking physical activity with healthy development, many children still lack sufficient opportunities to remain active.
According to her, activities such as running, jumping, stretching and group play contribute significantly to helping children build confidence, manage emotions and strengthen social relationships.
“Movement activities should be tailored to the needs of each child’s age and stage of development,” she said.

She identified schools as critical spaces for promoting healthy movement because of their structured and consistent learning environments.
However, Adekanbi noted that many teachers were constrained by inadequate time, training and resources needed to incorporate meaningful movement opportunities into school routines.

The child development advocate further stated that some countries had responded to the challenge through improved teacher preparation programmes and stronger partnerships with communities to support inclusive and developmentally appropriate physical activities.
She stressed the need to extend movement opportunities beyond the classroom through collaboration among schools, families, health professionals and local organisations.

According to her, such partnerships could help provide safe play spaces, after-school programmes and other supportive environments that encourage active lifestyles among children.
“Community collaborations can provide movement programmes with resources and assistance as well as opportunities for children to engage in physical activity outside of school,” Adekanbi said.

She maintained that children’s wellbeing must be approached holistically, adding that movement, culture, emotional connection and community support are all essential components in raising healthier and happier children.

Adekanbi recommended that schools and communities prioritise movement throughout the day, equip teachers with movement-based instructional skills and create safe and accessible environments for children.

She added that strengthening partnerships beyond school hours would further expand opportunities for children to remain physically active and socially engaged.

According to her, children deserve environments that support not only academic excellence but also their physical and emotional wellbeing.
She described movement as one of the most effective tools for achieving balanced child development and long-term health outcomes.