BECE. Newsletter Vol.15, No.2, 2023, BECE 1813 The Impact of Physical Exercise on Adolescent Academic Performance: An Empirical Analysis Based on the China Education Panel Survey 2014-2015 By Li, C. Correspondence to: Chunguang Li, Beijing Youth Politics College, China. E- mail: editorial-office@bonoi.org UE to the traditional idea of “academic development outweighing phys- ical activity” and the public misunderstanding of the effect of physical exercise on student academic performance, physical exercise is typically giv- en the lowest priority in Chinese educational system. This has substantially restricted the time allotted to physical activity in teenagers, posing a negative impact on adolescent physical and mental health. This article is a systematic analysis of the influence of physical exercise on teenager academic achieve- ment and the potential influence mechanism, based on data from the China Education Panel Survey 2014-2015. The study finds that: i. Both standardized test scores and parental evaluation results show that the number of times of physical exercise per week is positively correlated with adolescent academic perfor- mance, indicating that physical activity is not only benefi- cial for their physical fitness but also for their cognitive at- tainment. ii. Socio-psychological factors such as psychological state, ed- ucation expectations, confidence in the future, and academic resilience act as a robust mediator for the relation between physical exercise and academic performance among adoles- cents. Physical fitness may play a mediating role, though not a stable one. Physical stamina does not play a mediating role, likely because Chinese basic education overly empha- sizes student cognitive ability and is intensely competitive. Therefore, in the Chinese context, physical exercise helps improve adolescents’ academic performance through its impact on their socio- psychological state rather than their physical stamina and fitness. Strength- ened academic resilience, alleviated stressful emotions, and improved mental health are the direct results brought on by physical exercise. Educational au- thorities, schools, and families should foster a more balanced view of “aca- D mailto:editorial-office@bonoi.org Vol.15, No.2, 2023, BECE 1814 demic development and physical activity” and place more importance on ad- olescent physical exercise while conducting investment and resource distri- bution in education which is traditionally centered around student academic achievement. Source: Education Research Monthly, 2023; 2023(06):67-74.