Saskatchewan children and youth get a “D-” for overall physical activity
The grades and national ranking in this year’s Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth do not surprise Saskatchewan in motion. The Report Card, released earlier today, assigned a “D-” grade for overall physical activity for children and youth in Canada.
Saskatchewan in motion research is consistent with the report card findings, that convenience is one of the main reasons kids are not as active as they should be. Everyone is trying to do more in less time. Kids need room to move and today’s culture of convenience is hindering essential physical activity opportunities:
46 per cent of kids six to 11 get three hours or less of active play per week, including weekends.
62 per cent of Canadian parents say their kids aged five to 17 are always driven to and from school – this is especially likely if parents think driving their kids will save them time, is more convenient and is safer.
61 per cent of Canadian parents agree that their kids spend too much time watching TV or using the computer. Saskatchewan in motion continues to work hard to raise the grade on physical activity for Saskatchewan children and youth. The in motion 30-3030 solution encourages parents, caregivers, educators and community leaders to get kids active for at least 30 minutes at home, 30 minutes at school and 30 minutes in the community. By following the formula, kids can get the more than 60 minutes of physical activity they need every day.
“We all have a role to play and need to work together to encourage our kids to move,” says Cathie Kryzanowski, General Manager of Saskatchewan in motion. To increase kids’ physical activ- ity levels, parents must encourage a mix of opportunities to be active throughout a child’s entire day such as walking to school, organized sport, and free play. Saskatchewan in motion has developed positive solutions and tools for parents to understand the issue and do their part, including an Active Idea Jar with thousands of great ideas! Families can learn more and find out ways to inspire kids to move more by visiting saskatchewaninmotion.ca. The report card can be found online at http://www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca/learn/ahkc-report-card.