China to Boost Physical Activity for Pupils in Schools

China’s Ministry of Education announced that it will strengthen inspections against schools that reduce physical education classes or keep students indoors during breaks under its “health first” policy. In a statement made at a meeting held in Beijing, officials reported that regulations requiring primary and secondary school students across all provincial regions to engage in at least two hours of daily physical activity have come into effect. This duration includes a minimum 15-minute break between classes.

According to the data, compared to 2012, the number of physical education teachers in compulsory education has increased by 71.6 percent, while the number of arts teachers has risen by 60.9 percent. The results of the 2024 National Student Physical Health Survey reveal that the overall excellence rate in students’ physical health has increased by 9.3 percentage points since 2016.

Looking ahead to 2026, the ministry will focus in particular on strengthening students' physical development in kindergartens and primary schools. Planned measures include guaranteeing outdoor activity time, limiting electronic device usage, and improving classroom lighting to reduce eye strain. The ministry also issued a clear warning against “fake curricula” practices and emphasized that any violations that encroach on physical education classes or prevent students from leaving classrooms during breaks will be strictly investigated.