Children’s activity levels rising but inactivity remains too high

The number of children and young people playing sport and taking part in physical activity in England is at the highest level since Sport England started the Active Lives Survey in 2017-18.

The latest Active Lives Children and Young People Survey Report, shows that there are more than half a million (580,000) more children in England meeting the Chief Medical Officers’ (CMO) guidelines of taking part in an average of 60 minutes or more of sport and physical activity every day than there were seven years ago – an increase of 5.8%.

In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight we have seen a positive shift in comparison to last year’s report, with the rate of children and young people not meeting recommended activity levels declining by 2%. However, it still leaves over half (50.3%) of not reaching the recommended 60 active minutes per day.

However, the national insight shows there is still work to be done with the activity gap widening for some of our children and young people. Those from the least affluent families are likely to be less active, with 45% meeting 60 active minutes — compared to 58% of those from the most affluent families. Additionally, children and young people with two or more characteristics of inequality are less likely to be active, with only 40% meeting the guidelines — compared 54% with no characteristics of inequality.

The gap in activity levels by ethnic group has also widened, with children and young people from Asian, Black and other ethnic backgrounds remain the least likely to be active.

Daily activity plays a key role in developing happier, healthier and stronger children and young people. It helps them concentrate better, sleep better and can build confidence.

Daily activity can consist of activity at home and at school.  The Chief Medical Officer guidelines recommend 30 minutes at school and 30 minutes at home.