Average child is getting less than three hours of exercise

Research has revealed that the average British child is engaging in less than three hours of physical activity per week.

A survey of 1,000 parents with children aged between 5 and 12 years old showed a growing concern over the impact of reduced activity levels on their children’s overall wellbeing, with many seeking assistance to encourage more active lifestyles.

The importance of physical activity is recognised by 90% of parents, yet a third are worried that their children are less active than they were at the same age.

This has led to 70% of parents expressing anxiety about the potential effects on their child’s physical health and general wellbeing.

When asked about the obstacles preventing children from being more active, 38% of parents cited physical challenges, while 36% believed their children lacked confidence in movement.

Over a third (35%) admitted their children felt embarrassed when exercising, and 29% found it overly competitive. Predictably for the UK, 34% listed poor weather as the main hindrance to outdoor activities.

The study was carried out by Ferrero as part of their Joy of Moving programme, a scientifically endorsed initiative promoting a playful approach to physical activity for children.

Professor John Reilly from the Psychological Sciences and Health Department at the University of Strathclyde commented: “The chief medical officers’ guidelines recommend that children and adolescents get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day.”

“While levels of physical activity might have been increasing slightly over the past five years, we’re still not hitting that target.”

Professor Reilly added: “Although there is no ‘magic bullet’ which will help children and adolescents get the recommended 60 minutes of activity per day, we all need to work together to change the amount of physical activity children are currently getting.”

“We must increase access to programmes which encourage children to become more active. This is a key moment for companies, schools, parents and other organisations to work together to help children embrace more physical activity.”

According to the data, parents agree that play-based activities have the most significant impact, with over a third ranking it as the best way to get their child more active. However, parents expressed concern about the lack of local playgrounds, with 39% desiring more child-friendly playgrounds, as well as greater access to equipment.

Three quarters said they would find it beneficial to have access to free online resources, providing guidance on games they can play with their children. While many parents believe that additional support from their children’s schools in encouraging their children to be active would be helpful.

Charlie Cayton, spokesperson at Ferrero, which commissioned the study to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its programme, stated: “Evidence shows that those who experience an active childhood are more likely to become active adults.”

“With a programme like Joy of moving that incorporates a unique play-based approach to getting active, we hope to inspire those positive habits from the start. Every child deserves the chance to get active and to play and we’re dedicated to helping them access the joy of doing so.”