Computer games scheme is 'gimmick'

Last Modified: 28 Jan 2008
Source: PA News

A project which aims to reduce childhood obesity by encouraging children to play on the Nintendo Wii console has been dismissed by campaigners as a gimmick.

Schools have trialled so-called "active" computer games, which require gamers to do more than simply press buttons, to improve exercise rates.

The Department of Health has endorsed a scheme designed by the Droitwich and Worcester City School Sport Partnership, which won an award last month.

The programme designers found "active" console games, some of which require users to mimic the actions required for real sports, increased participation in physical exercise.

But Nick Seaton, chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, dismissed the idea.

He said: "Pupils would be far better doing serious competitive sports and games than this sort of thing.

"It looks like another gimmick. It's pandering to the views of the physically idle."

Five schools in Worcestershire used "virtual PE" to try to tempt children into being more active, The Independent on Sunday reported.

A spokesman for the Department Health said the scheme could represent a "first step" towards getting people involved in more physical exercise.

He said: "We welcome the positive impact that innovations like these can have as a first step towards getting people to participate in a broader range of physical activities and to enjoy the many benefits of a physically active lifestyle."

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