Basics

Decline in Physical Activity Among British Children

Recent findings have highlighted a concerning trend in the physical activity levels of British children, with the majority of secondary school students struggling to engage in sports. A significant number of 11-year-olds are reportedly unable to perform basic sports activities, and alarming statistics reveal that 20% of pupils aged five are overweight.

Comprehensive Study by University of Bath

The University of Bath conducted an extensive study involving over 17,000 primary school pupils and 2,300 teachers. The research unveiled dramatic differences in physical activity levels among students. Only 30% of the pupils met the recommended levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), with some students averaging a mere eight minutes of MVPA per day, while others exceeded 40 minutes.

The study also revealed a wide range in daily step counts, with figures ranging from 1,800 to over 10,000 steps. Schools situated in deprived areas showed approximately 25 minutes less MVPA weekly compared to their counterparts. Generally, boys were more active than girls; however, in 5% of the schools, girls outperformed boys, challenging common assumptions about gender differences in physical activity.

Influence of School and Teacher Engagement

Interestingly, the size of the playgrounds did not explain the differences in activity levels. Instead, schools with more active teachers witnessed higher activity levels among students. This correlation underscores the potential impact of teacher engagement on promoting physical activity among pupils.

The study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health and funded by the ESRC's South West Doctoral Partnership, pointed out significant health inequalities in physical activity. Some schools achieved double or even triple the activity levels compared to others, highlighting the disparities in opportunities for physical activity across different educational institutions.

Global Trends in Declining Physical Activity

This decline in physical activity is not confined to the UK; it reflects a global trend. Despite the increasing popularity of fitness trackers, physical activity levels have decreased worldwide. Specifically, there was a significant drop in activity from 1995 to 2017, as revealed by a study covering eight developed nations and spanning over two decades. Adolescents aged 11 to 19 experienced a 30% decline in physical activity, with individuals taking 1,100 fewer steps daily compared to previous generations.

The increase in adolescent screen time, from 5 to 8.8 hours per day between 1999 and 2017, along with reduced physical education classes and fewer children walking or cycling to school, have contributed to the overall decrease in physical activity.

Addressing the Need for Increased Physical Activity

The research highlights the urgent need for more support to increase physical activity levels in schools. There is a clear necessity to focus on activity beyond formal sports provision, ensuring that opportunities for physical engagement are accessible to all students, regardless of their school's resources or location. Addressing these disparities will be crucial in combating the trend of declining physical activity and its associated health implications.