Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
Post-millennials, also known as Generation Z, are the first generation born in an entirely digital world. This demographic cohort, influenced strongly by technology and social media, includes people born 1997-present. Post-millennials share some distinctive lifestyle features in comparison to other generations: they are more sedentary, less active, more digitally dependent, and less exposed to the natural environment. Excessive use of electronic media, in particular, may affect overall health and wellbeing of children and youth. Possible health risks include obesity, sleep disorders, mental health issues, lack of physical fitness and motor competence, postural disorders, etc. At the same time, post-millennials are frequently described as multi-taskers, open-minded, diverse, global and health aware, which also has to be considered when designing quality physical education programs. If physical education is to remain an effective social strategy for increasing physical activity, it has to be shaped by the specific needs and interests of today’s youth. In that regard, a shift toward more holistic and culturally responsive physical education, with a focus on health, inclusion, and fitness might be necessary. Enhancing student’s perceived and actual motor competence through a variety of positive, personally relevant learning experiences, is vital for lifelong physical activity participation. Moreover, a whole-school approach to physical activity promotion, which provides a lot of opportunities for students to be active before, during, and after school hours, has been recommended.