Study finds activity trackers aren’t helping kids get active

QUITE THE OPPOSITE, IN FACT.

Schools around the world, including some primary schools in Australia, have adopted the use of fitness trackers to encourage students to be active, clocking their daily steps to compete against other classmates. But the activity gadgets seem to be doing more harm than good. A study into the use of the wearables in children has found that not only did the amount of physical activity decline over time after the introduction of the wearables, their use has also been linked to poor self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. Some students find the goals ‘unattainable’, thus discouraging kids from exercising. Experts suggest fitness programs need to take into account students’ individual needs and gadgets like Fitbits “should be carefully considered and appropriated”.