Children Missing Out on Daily Exercise: A Growing Concern
Despite clear guidelines recommending at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day for children aged 5 to 18, a significant number fall short of this target. Research shows that only 51% of UK children meet the daily recommendation, with girls lagging behind at just 38%. Among children from low-income households, the numbers are even more alarming — 9 in 10 are doing less than four hours of out-of-school exercise per week.
This lack of movement isn’t just a missed opportunity for fun — it has serious implications:
- Physical health: Increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
- Mental wellbeing: Lower activity levels correlate with reduced mood, self-esteem, and academic performance.
- Social development: Less active children may miss out on teamwork, confidence-building, and peer interaction.
What’s Holding Kids Back?
- Screen time: Tablets, phones, and gaming consoles dominate leisure time.
- Busy family schedules: Parents often struggle to carve out time for active play.
- Limited access: Cost-of-living pressures and lack of local facilities make participation harder for many families.
- Gender gap: Girls are less likely to engage in physical activity, often due to social dynamics in school settings.
Why It Matters
Children who don’t build active habits early are less likely to stay active as they grow. That’s why programs like Stretch-n-Grow are so vital — they embed movement into daily routines, make fitness fun, and help children develop lifelong healthy habits.
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