THE CONTRIBUTION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS TO COMBATING SEDENTARY LIFESTYLES AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Sedentary lifestyles among high school students have become a growing concern in the educational and health fields, especially given the increased screen time, reduced daily physical activity, and difficulties accessing safe spaces for physical exercise. In this context, school Physical Education presents itself as an important curricular component for promoting health, quality of life, and the development of more active habits among young people. The general objective of this article was to analyze the contribution of school Physical Education in combating sedentary lifestyles among high school students, considering its relevance to the students' comprehensive education. The choice of the theme was justified by the need to understand how Physical Education classes can go beyond traditional sports practice, favoring more inclusive and meaningful bodily experiences capable of stimulating body care and health. The methodology used was a literature review, with a qualitative and descriptive approach, consulting books, scientific articles, dissertations, official documents, and academic publications available in databases such as Google Scholar, SciELO, CAPES Periodicals Portal, and institutional repositories. It was concluded that school Physical Education contributes to combating sedentary lifestyles when it promotes diverse, participatory, and contextualized practices, raising adolescents' awareness of the importance of movement in life.