Better life quality cannot guarantee healthier teenagers: People’s Daily

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Life quality has improved in China, but teen health is on the decline, according to newly released data, People’s Daily warned in a commentary on Sept. 21.

Women’s 800-meter records in a middile school in northwest China have been kept for 40 years, according to a northeastern city’s report on middle school sports games. And over 55% of teen applicants in central China’s Hubei province are not qualified to enroll in the army.

Also, the rate of myopia among middle school and college students is the highest in China, accounting for more than 70 percent, according to a recent study by the World Health Organization.

Many factors contribute to the declining health of Chinese teens. One reason is that young people are not willing exercise.

Teens are increasingly addicted to the Internet and depend heavily on electric devices. They have easy access to online shopping and online courses, and takeaway instead of going out to eat. Unhealthy lifestyles lead to many health problems that are common for middle and old aged people.

Moreover, schools should be blamed for putting less attention on sports.

Schools, parents, and the whole society should take measures to improve teen health. With more sports activities, facilities, and stronger interests in doing exercise, teens are more likely to live a happier life and have a stronger body, the paper suggested.