The effect of parental attitudes towards physical education and sports course on students' interest level towards the course

This study aims to examine the impact of parents' attitudes toward physical education and sports lessons on students' interest levels in the course. For this purpose, the relational survey model, which is included in the scanning models of quantitative research methods, was used. The research population consists of secondary school students and their parents during the 2024–2025 academic year. The sample group includes 155 secondary school students and their parents in the Reşadiye district of Tokat province. As data collection tools, the "Interest in Physical Education and Sports Lesson Scale" was used to measure students' interest levels, and the "Attitude Scale for Physical Education Lesson for Parents" was employed to determine the parents' attitude levels. All statistical calculations were performed using the SPSS 22.0 statistical software package. The analysis of the obtained data revealed no statistically significant difference in students' interest levels in physical education and sports lessons in terms of the gender variable. On the other hand, it was determined that students directed to sports, studying in the 5th and 6th grades, and participating in extracurricular sports activities had higher total scores of interest in physical education and sports lessons. From the parents' perspective, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of gender, age, income level, or education level. However, parents who engage in sports, have children studying in the 5th and 6th grades, or have a sports background scored higher on the total and support subscale scores of the attitude scale for parents' physical education. In conclusion, the study shows that as parents' attitude levels toward physical education increase, their children's interest in physical education and sports lessons also increases. Parents' attitudes toward physical education and sports lessons are a significant factor directly influencing children's interest and participation in these lessons. In this context, awareness-raising and encouraging educational seminars can be organized, especially for parents who do not engage in sports. Inviting families to school activities may increase children's interest in physical education lessons. The positive effects of physical education and sports can be conveyed using television, social media, and other communication tools. Finally, increasing the weight of physical education lessons in the school curriculum may provide a more qualified content.