Social Media in Focus at the 29th Münster School Sports Forum

On Wednesday, 4 November 2026, social media took centre stage at the 29th Münster School Sports Forum (Münsteraner Schulsportgespräch). The topic, “#Fitspiration – Opportunity or Risk? Exploring the Links Between Health Promotion and Critical Media Literacy in Physical Education”, attracted considerable interest. More than 30 participants, including teachers, trainee teachers and even several school students, engaged in lively discussions about the research findings and practical approaches presented by Dr. Marion Golenia and Junior Professor Dr. Helga Leineweber.

The strong attendance and intensive discussions highlighted just how significant social media has become in shaping children’s and young people’s everyday experiences of fitness, sport and health. Particular attention was paid to the opportunities and challenges of integrating practical approaches to critical media literacy into physical education lessons.

The aim of enabling students to engage critically and independently with digitally mediated body images, fitness ideals and health claims is undoubtedly worthwhile, but putting it into practice in everyday school life is far from straightforward.