Fit Classmates : The Effect of Peers on Exercise Habits in Students

This study examines the effect of peer groups on the exercise habits of focal students. Using a nationally representative sample of junior high school students in China, we exploit the random assignment of students to classrooms to estimate the likelihood of engaging in one hour of daily exercise. Our findings robustly demonstrate the positive effect of peers on the persistence of exercise habits among students. Furthermore, we find a positive correlation between a higher proportion of peers with consistent exercise habits and increased student interaction, as well as friendship formation. To investigate the heterogeneity of these effects, we perform a detailed analysis of various demographic factors. Our results indicate that peer effects are more salient among males, younger students, and those in non-urban settings. These insights hold significant implications for school administrators, offering guidance for the development of policies aimed at fostering exercise habits among students