Children and Adolescents (CA)
There are currently seven million children aged five to 15 in England, and Sport England research suggests that just over half are not doing the recommended daily amount of exercise. Almost a third of children (2.3 million) were classed as 'inactive' as a result of coronavirus lockdown restrictions (not even doing 30 minutes per day), up by 2.5%.
Children and Young People should not be seen as a homogenous group. The inequalities that exist within this demographic also vary substantially. For example, Children Looked After (CLA), Un-accompanied Asylum-seeking Children (UAC) and Care Leavers (CL) have substantial health inequalities, including in physical activity. There is a close interconnection with mental health inequalities for this demographic too, for example children which experience Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE).
Though children may be less susceptible to the worst outcomes of coronavirus, they are likely to be less resilient to the wider societal impacts. As a result, children are more likely to experience significant stress, anxiety, behavioural problems and fear related the pandemic. Therefore reducing sedentary behaviour and inactivity should be a key theme of any ‘catch up’ within schools and a focus of any coronavirus recovery work for children and young people.
Activity Alliance research from 2020 investigated the differences in experience and perceptions of sport and physical activity among disabled and non-disabled children. This includes their attitudes, enjoyment and participation, as well as their barriers and motivations. To view the research click here.
A systematic review completed in 2011 determined that increased sedentary time was associated with negative health outcomes in both boys and girls. In particular there were 4 where the evidence suggested that daily TV viewing in excess of 2 hours is associated with reduced physical health and emotional wellbeing, and that lowering sedentary time can lead to a reduction in Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Active Schools Framework – The Yorkshire Sport Foundations co-designed partnership framework to holistically reducing inactivity in schools.
- Y&H Learning – A useful page with training and resources for schools and education establishments to support physical activity
- Safe, Fit and Well – Evaluation of the StreetGames programme to address mental health concerns of children through community sport. It also looks at the impact on socio-economic deprivation and the interconnection with sport and mental health outcomes.
- Children and young people (Sport England)
Recommendations (Children and Adolescents CA)
- Informal focus, supporting self-confidence and independence
- Local opportunities, accessible and within existing familiar facilities
- Whole family partnership approach or peer to peer engagement
- Diverse activities demonstrating desired behaviours (LGBTQ+)
- Convenient flexible schedule with variation for time of day and week (PD) (LGBTQ+)
- Mastery and meaningful goal setting, autonomy and ownership (PD)
Increasing Physical Activity in Schools – building a generation of healthy happy and active children across Yorkshire & Humber
PDF Presentation