The Chilean Senate has definitively approved the new law which obliges all schools in the country – from nursery school to high school – to guarantee at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. The measure, promoted by senators Francisco Chahuán and Pedro Araya, together with other parliamentarians, aims to combat the growing sedentary lifestyle of children and integrate physical and mental well-being into the educational path.
The rule does not replace the traditional physical education lesson, but completes it: schools will have to organize moments of exercise during the day, with recreational, educational and non-competitive activities, suitable for all levels of intensity and accessible to all students, regardless of their physical or cognitive conditions.
Brain activation and inclusion games as educational tools
Among the most interesting innovations are brain activation and strategy games, which are recognized as an integral part of physical activity. The goal is to also stimulate the mind, not just the body, making the movement a global exercise. The law also encourages student participation in the planning and evaluation of sports activities, an important step in promoting shared responsibility and active engagement in school life.
Senator Chahuán underlined that the new rules are based on principles of inclusiveness and non-discrimination: schools will have to ensure that no pupil is excluded for reasons of disability or illness. The law also specifies restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy foods near schools, to create an environment consistent with the goal of public health.
From text to reality: the challenge of putting it into practice
As often happens, the main challenge will be to translate the law into concrete actions. Limited space, shortage of materials and high student density are common obstacles in the Chilean education system. However, the rule represents a cultural turning point: recognizing movement as an essential part of the learning process, not just a simple pastime. President Gabriel Boric, celebrating the approval, recalled that the measure was born after the Pan American Games and is part of a long-term vision, where health, education and active citizenship go together.
You might also be interested in:
