Recent data from Sport England’s Active Lives Children and Young People survey highlights a concerning trend: physical activity levels among children have remained stagnant over the past year, with over 3.6 million children still not meeting the UK Chief Medical Officers’ recommended 60 minutes of daily activity.
Key findings from the report reveal:
- Only 47.8% of children are meeting daily activity guidelines
- Activity levels are particularly low among younger children (ages 7–9), with just 41% classed as active
- Persistent inequalities exist, with children from Black, Asian, and less affluent families, as well as girls, being less likely to meet activity recommendations
The Youth Sport Trust has responded with a renewed call for a national plan for children’s physical activity. Chief Executive Ali Oliver MBE emphasised the urgent need for coordinated efforts across government departments to provide every child with daily opportunities for sport, play, and PE.
For schools, this data underscores the importance of PE and physical activity in addressing both health and educational outcomes. Teachers play a vital role in fostering a culture of movement, helping children unlock the benefits of physical activity for their wellbeing, development, and socialisation.
Read more about the findings and the Youth Sport Trust’s call to action here.
