The Educator Magazine UK May- August 2023 - Magazine - Page 44
Parents significantly underestimate
how long children should be active
for each day, new research finds
Almost half of all parents (48%) believe children aged 5-18 should only
be active for 30 minutes or less a day
Just 43% believe children should be active for at least 60 minutes every day
97% of teachers agree play and sport can support mental wellbeing
Charity the Youth Sport Trust launches National School Sports Week powered
by Sports Direct, to raise awareness and get children ‘playing for fun, playing
for 60’ this June
The UK Chief Medical Officer (CMO) recommends that children aged 5 to 18
should be highly active (with an elevated heart rate) for an average of at least
60 minutes a day, across the week in order to stay happy and healthy.
However, new research by YouGov
commissioned by children’s charity
the Youth Sport Trust reveals parents
are more likely to believe that children
only need to be active for 30 minutes
a day, less than half of the
recommended guidance.
The Youth Sport Trust thinks that low
awareness of the recommendation
is contributing to low activity levels
amongst children.
Less than half of all young people in
the UK (47%) are active for 60 minutes
each day, with almost a third (30%)
averaging fewer than 30 active
minutes. (Sport England Active Lives
Children and Young People Survey
2021-22).
These findings are set against a
backdrop of a wellbeing crisis among
young people in the UK. Further
research by Teacher Tapp commissioned by the Youth Sport Trust found
97% of teachers are ‘concerned’ about
the mental health of young people in
their school.
And whilst the same number of
teachers (97%) agree sports and play
can support mental health, only 35%
of teachers are aware children should
be active for 60 or more minutes a
day, highlighting the need for more
support and training for schools and
teachers.
is aiming to boost children’s activity
levels by encouraging people and
organisations to make a #Pledge
ToPlay for 60 minutes every day
during this week.
In a bid to drive up awareness of the
Chief Medical Officers’ guidance,
the charity is this week launching its
annual National School Sports Week
campaign, powered by Sports Direct,
to get more children ‘playing for fun,
playing for 60’ between 19 and 25
June. National School Sports Week
The campaign will work with families,
schools and across society to ensure
that people are better informed about
the benefits of sport and play for
their children. Deadly 60 and wildlife
presenter Steve Backshall has made a
pledge to keep active with his family,