The challenges of a culture of physical activity and sports in Chile. Between Law 21.778, the school playground, and epistemology.

Abstract

Sedentary lifestyles and obesity among Chilean schoolchildren are a cause for concern in terms of health and education. In November 2025, Chile enacted Law 21.778, which encourages physical activity and sports in educational establishments. The aim of this theoretical article is to reflect on Law 21.778, which promotes physical activity and sports in Chilean educational establishments. The first section addresses the multidimensional benefits that the legislation could have. The second section reflects on the limitations and challenges of implementing this law. It concludes that this legislation is an opportunity that will face complex challenges in the school, administrative, epistemological, and sociocultural contexts.