Today was National Walk Safely to School Day. This coincided with the release of the Active Healthy Kids Australia report card, which reproted that more than 80% of Aussie kids aren’t getting enough exercise.
The broad message of the report was “Sport isn’t enough”. Less than 20% of our 5-17 year olds do the recommended hour of exercise a day. More than 70% spend more than two hours a day watching an electronic screen.
When it comes to organised sport, the study suggests children spend less than 50% of their time on the field in moderate to vigorous physical activity.
As reported in the Sydney Morning Herald, lead author and research associate the University of South Australia, Natasha Schranz, said the results showed parents were falling into the “trap” that organised sport is enough to keep children healthy.
This report coincides with the launch of Premier’s Sporting Challenges in at least three Australian states. The purpose of the challenge is to have more students, more active, more of the time by encouraging them to lead healthy, active lifestyles. Even if it’s mowing the lawn, washing the car or walking to school – we need to think about being more active, more of the time.
