LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO HEALTH: EXPLORING THE LANDSCAPE FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

Abstract. This descriptive research study examines the impact of various leisure activities on the overall health of young learners, with a particular focus on their physical, mental, and social well-being. In an era where structured academics and digital media use increasingly shape children’s daily routines, it is crucial to understand how leisure time supports holistic child development. The study specifically aimed to identify the types of leisure activities most commonly engaged in by children aged 6 to 12 and to describe the perceived benefits of these activities on their well-being. A sample of 100 elementary students from a public school in Cavite was selected through random sampling to ensure balanced representation across age, gender, and grade levels. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire, validated by experts in education and child development. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and weighted means, were employed to analyze the data. Results showed that outdoor play, creative arts, digital gaming, and sports were the most prevalent leisure activities, with students reporting that these pursuits enhanced their happiness, energy, focus, and social connectedness. Notably, barriers such as limited recreational spaces, excessive screen time, and heavy academic workloads were also identified. While children’s self-reported perceptions provide valuable insights, these may reflect subjective biases, which future studies should address through triangulation with observational or physiological data. This study contributes new evidence from the Philippine context, highlighting that leisure is not a peripheral activity but a vital dimension of child health and development. It recommends that schools, families, and communities adopt policies and practices that actively promote a balanced lifestyle, integrating both structured and unstructured leisure opportunities into children’s daily routines.