Children don't get enough exercise.
Fewer than three per cent of 11-year-old children are taking enough exercise at the time in their lives when they should be most active, a major research project on the inactivity of youth reports today.
Only one in 250 girls and one in 20 boys is active enough to stay healthy, says the study of 5,500 youngsters. Researchers say Britain has built "an environment that is toxic" to children being active. (The Telegraph)
I can't say that I am overly surprised at this. Playing outside has become a luxury denied to many children through fears of accident, crime or of paedophiles. Computer games have replaced riding your bike, playing football, "It", and the like. And parents even drive their kids to school every day.Only one in 250 girls and one in 20 boys is active enough to stay healthy, says the study of 5,500 youngsters. Researchers say Britain has built "an environment that is toxic" to children being active. (The Telegraph)
But I am shocked that the study revealed that "children averaged just 17 minutes of moderate exercise, and two minutes of "vigorous" exercise a day." How is it so low? Do they do nothing with themselves all day? Kids are supposed to be active, not couch potatoes. Being a kid is the only time you get to run around all day, and they should make the most of it.
When I was eleven, we'd play outside all the time we could, pretty much just coming in for meals and sleep during the summer. Whilst we weren't "active" all that time, we were for much of it. If something is not done, this generation of kids will grow up fat, lazy, and mollycoddled. Parents need to learn to relax their grip around their children and their activities, and kids need to be encouraged to get outside and play! Go ride your bike, play football, etc. Don't just sit inside and play on your computer.
Sources: The Telegraph, BBC
