Children in Canada watch an average of 14 hours of TV per week, and that doesn’t
include the hours they spend sitting in school, or in front of a computer doing
homework or playing video games. Only half of kids between five and 12 years
old walk or bike to get to and from school.
Results from the Canadian
Physical Activity Levels Among Youth (CAN PLAY) Survey show that less than
10% of children are active enough to meet the 90 minutes of daily physical activity
recommended in Canada’s
physical activity guide for children. Yet children need regular physical
activity for healthy growth and development of bones, muscles and their cardiovascular
systems (heart and blood vessels).
Physical activity plays an important role in preventing problem behaviours
and improves children’s mental well-being and physical skills (e.g., coordination,
strength). Being active also helps children to:
- feel good about themselves (self-esteem)
- overcome boredom
- find positive ways to spend their free time
- achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Help children to be more active
Parents,
teachers
and schools play an important role by helping children to be active from
a young age. This early activity starts a pattern that makes it more likely
for children to be active as they get older.
One way families can help children to be more active is by organizing Walking School Bus programs. Groups of families create natural
"bus routes." Parents take turns as "drivers" and walk with
children to and from school. A Walking School Bus is a simple way to encourage
more children to walk safely to school. This way of getting to school means
that people drive less and also reminds everyone that this supportable transportation
is good for our health, safety and environment.
Additional information
How
much physical education do children need in school? – Canadian Health Network
Canada’s report card on physical activity for children and youth
2007 – Active
Healthy Kids Canada
References
Statistics Canada (web site) Television viewing, by age and sex, by province,
2004. Accessed April 26, 2007.
Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (web site). Commuting for
children: Inactive choices. In 2000 physical activity monitor. Increasing
physical activity: Supporting children's participation. Accessed April 26, 2007.
Canadian Council on Social Development (web site). Literature review and analysis.
Recreation and children and youth living in poverty: Barriers, benefits and
success stories. AccessedxApril 26, 2007.
| 
