Are children getting enough physical activity?

Children’s activity levels are on the decline. According to a new report almost half of 5- to 12-year-old children get less than three hours physical activity a week. This is alarming as this is much lower than the NHS Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines of taking part in sport and physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day. 

While 90% of parents think physical activity is important, a third (33%) believe they were more active than their children at the same age.

The research by Ferrero revealed some interesting barriers that are deterring children from getting active. 38% of parents have said that it is because their children find exercise too physically challenging, while 36% have said their children lack confidence when moving.

This year, Joy of moving celebrates its 10th anniversary of encouraging active lifestyles in children, helping kids of all ages and abilities across the country learn how to enjoy moving through play. Over the last 10 years, Joy of moving has inspired over 600,000 children to get moving through play and delivered over 3 million hours of learning about the importance of physical activity.

Aston spoke to John Reilly, professor of physical activity and health at University of Strathclyde.