05 August 2021
Its Research Thursday!
We know that Australian children spend a significant portion of their day at school and that regular physical activity is essential for children's healthy growth and development; as well as social, emotional, cognitive and psychological benefits.
The researchers found that a significant portion of Australian children are not meeting the recommended guidelines of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during the school day. Nearly half of all children Year 3-6 did not meet the MVPA recommendations, and over 30% of children in Kindergarten - Year 2 did not meet the MVPA recommendations.
Additionally, even on days where children had PE or Sport, they still did not meet the MVPA guidelines.
What does this mean?
It means that while children spend the majority of their day at school, they are not adequately moving during this time. Schools should implement strategies to increase children's physical activity levels both at school and at home.
Take Home Message
Physical activity needs to be a part of every school day for every student. Strategies schools can use to increase physical activity include:
- Active lessons across all curriculum areas
- Up-skill all teachers on the importance of physical activity & physical literacy
- Provide sport equipment at break times
- Provide the opportunity to be active before and after school.