Learning and Wellbeing
We know that a supportive environment that combines a focus on wellbeing with a focus on learning is optimal — without one, the other will not happen . Source: Queensland’s Department of Education’s Student Learning and Wellbeing Framework.
Students’ physical, psychological and cognitive wellbeing - and potentially their social and personal wellbeing too - is challenged when they are sitting still for long periods of class time. We know that students spend approximately 64% of the whole day and 60% of the school day sitting. The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children (5-12yr) and Young People (13-17yr) recommend that schools break up long periods of sitting as often as possible, as long periods of sitting can counteract the benefits of being physically active.
If schools want students to learn, then schools need to ensure classrooms and learning spaces are promoting wellbeing. Standing desks can help students move during learning which enhances their physical, psychological and cognitive engagement.
In terms of students’ long-term health, new evidence suggests that, no matter what the total sitting time is, regular interruptions from sitting (even as little as standing up) may help to reduce risk factors for developing coronary heart disease and diabetes. Blueprint for an Active Australia
Research shows that adjustable sit-to-stand desks can:
Effectively reduce students’ sedentary/sitting behaviour.
Help children burn 15-25% more calories in the day (and 25-35% more calories burned for obese kids)
Help counter orthopaedic issues related to sitting e.g. back, neck, shoulder, and knee pain.
Provide an opportunity for students to move and ‘burn up’ energy i.e. an activity-permissive option.
Help students maintain – if not improve – academic performance, focus better, reduce disruptive behaviour, provide a novel working option and improve mood!
