Introduction. To put it simple, physical culture is a set of fostered values , behaviour patterns and its results concerning the human body. It is particularly important to care about physical education of children and teenagers during the period of development of their bodies, which is school age. Aim. The aim of the work is to compare the educational issues and occuring difficulties that influenced children and tenagers’ physical development at the beginning of the 20th century and at present. Material and methods. A comparative method used in historical research was applied. Results.The problems concerning children and teenagers’ physical development occuring 100 years ago are similar to those existing now. Technological advancement and both the facilities and the dangers connected with it have significantly limited physical activity at the school age. Conclusions. It is advisable to implement segmantation of the issues connected with children and teenagers’ physical culture and to intorduce measures, in certain areas, aimed at improving the situation. It is particualry important to instil good habits among the children at early school education stage.

Key words: physical culture, education, Władysław Hojnacki.