Leitrim councillor and teacher talks social media, unhealthy eating and promoting activities for students

A Leitrim councillor has spoken out after research has shown that only 18 per cent of secondary school students are getting the recommended daily amount of physical activity of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

The findings are included in a University of Limerick survey into the physical activity of more than 20,000 students in post-primary schools in Ireland.

Cllr James Gilmartin, who is also a secondary school teacher, told the Leitrim Observer that, in his view, it was more important to get children involved in activities rather than exercise. "The key thing is moderate activity. If you have a student who is not interested in sports than they're not going to do sports."

READ MORE: Heck of a Quality Inspection Assured coming to The Dock in 2026

The research showed that 20 per cent of junior cycle students being active daily vs just 14 per cent of senior cycle students with only 12 per cent of females meeting daily guidelines compared to 24 per cent of males.

Academic pressure was the top barrier with 62 per cent citing homework/exam pressure as a barrier to community sport and activity.

Cllr Gilmartin said that another barrier to children exercising is a simple lack of opportunity. "We're almost nearly too cocooned through safety and convenience and you need to create the opportunities for children to get out. It's not all about sport and exercise; it's more about getting out and having social interactions; you can go out for a walk with your friends while having a chat."

In the community, self-consciousness and lack of friends participating are major barriers for 48 per cent of girls and 40 per cent of boys.

READ MORE: 'Massive handout to already profitable developers' - Leitrim councillor slams apartment VAT cut

Cllr Gilmartin said that, in his view, social media was becoming a big issue among young people in that it promotes an unattainable 'ideal' body. "It's to do with body issues and there are young lads in the gym as much as young women. A whole conversation needs to be had around that. Kids want to fit in and they see people online and think this is how they want to look."

The Active School Flag Post-Primary (ASFPP) Student Survey Report 2024 was part of a pilot project of the Active School Flag (ASF) initiative, which took place in 42 schools.

The initiative promotes physical activity in schools and aims to support schools to maximise opportunities for students and staff to be physically active during the school day.

Cllr Gilmartin said that one of the biggest issues is food and unhealthy eating among young people. "You are what you eat. The gut is the second brain and all your neuro-transmitters are made there."

READ MORE: Dry weather continues across Leitrim with bright spells promised

He added: "The Active School Flag initiative is great; it creates a positive environment where activity is the key thing, such as skipping. It's not about high-end exercise but more about just creating the habit of moving everyday; basically that you are keeping active; it forms part of your day. In secondary schools that would have benefits."

He concluded: "