According to sources, a discussion about whether children should learn to 'play-fight' has been heated recently. In Västra Frölunda, middle school students from different parts of Gothenburg are now offered to voluntarily participate in a try-out day in the exercise form 'kamplek' (play-fighting). In controlled and structured forms, children learn playful fighting movements that are intended to strengthen motor skills and their ability to set their own boundaries.
The goal is for the exercise form to eventually be introduced in schools, though whether it will actually be implemented remains unknown. Researchers warn that children's gross motor skills have deteriorated in recent years, which can increase the risk of injuries when children lack good body awareness. Kamplek is described by the organizers as a way to counteract that development.
We need to set a structure for it and show how it should be done.
' However, Principal Ingrid Gustavsson expresses concern, stating that 'it can easily get out of hand. ' According to Pilo Stylin, there are both positive and negative risks, and one should not outweigh the other, though the specific risks are not detailed. The number of children who have participated in the try-out day so far is also unknown.
The program is part of efforts to address declining physical abilities in youth.
It can easily get out of hand. It starts as play but then someone gets angry and uses too much force.