New Research Shows Significant Decline in Awareness of Recommended Activity Levels for Children Among Parents and Teachers
London, Monday 10 June, 2024 – According to new research by the Youth Sport Trust, there has been a significant decline in awareness of recommended activity levels for children among parents and teachers. The organization is urging children and young people to take part in at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily through its National School Sports Week, powered by Sports Direct’s Monster Kickabout, from 17th to 23rd June 2024.
The campaign has gained support from sports stars such as Sir Mo Farah, who is encouraging everyone to get involved. Schools, families, and organizations can all take part, with schools having the opportunity to receive free resources and equipment to facilitate participation in the week’s activities.
The decline in awareness is alarming, as activity levels among 5-18-year-olds have remained stagnant, despite being critical for future happiness, health, and well-being. Data from the Sport England Active Lives Children and Young People Survey shows that less than half of children are meeting the Chief Medical Officers’ recommended average of 60 minutes of physical activity per day. This is a cause for concern, as the data has remained largely unchanged since 2021-2022.
Ali Oliver, CEO of the Youth Sport Trust, commented on the decline, saying, “It’s more important than ever to inspire children and young people, supported by schools and their parents, to be more active.” She further added, “National School Sports Week provides the perfect opportunity for everyone to find an activity they love, so they begin to feel the benefits of an active lifestyle.”
The theme of this year’s campaign is to raise awareness of the recommended activity levels and encourage young people to increase their physical activity to achieve 60 active minutes each day. The week also coincides with the kick-off of the men’s EUROs, and the Youth Sport Trust has partnered with Sports Direct’s Monster Kickabout campaign to inspire children to play fun, football-based mash-up games like foot tennis, foot mini-golf, and football athletics.
Sir Mo Farah, National School Sports Champion, expressed his excitement for the week, saying, “We have an amazing summer of sport ahead of us with the EUROs and, of course, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which I know will inspire young people in the same way they inspired me as a kid.”
National School Sports Week has been running for 18 years and has been instrumental in promoting physical education, physical activity, and school sport, helping to nurture young people to reach their full potential. Participation in the week’s activities is open to all, including schools, families, and organizations. Schools can sign up to receive free resources and equipment to facilitate participation in Monster Kickabout football mash-up versions of activities such as golf, tennis, and rugby. The Youth Sport Trust website also provides ideas, tips, and resources to help families become more active every day.
The campaign has received support from celebrities such as broadcaster Steve Backshall, GP and Wellbeing Expert Dr. Radha Modgil, and swimmer Michael Gunning, with many more expected to join in during the week. As part of the week-long celebration, the charity is also bringing back Sports Star Friday, where everyone is invited to dress as their favorite sporting hero or sport while raising money to give more young people access to the life-changing benefits of PE, sport, and play.
To get involved in National School Sports Week, visit the Youth Sport Trust website and sign up today.
Notes to Editors:
Throughout the week, the Youth Sport Trust will be visiting schools to deliver Monster Kickabout Mash Up sessions led by sports stars and athlete mentors. The schedule for the visits is as follows:
Monday – Swiss Cottage School, Camden
Olympic rower Katherine Grainger, Olympic sprinter and bobsleigh athlete Montell Douglas, and Paralympian Tim Prendergast.
Tuesday – Manchester Communication Academy, Manchester
Inline skating champion Jenna Downing and British Paralympian Ayaz Bhuta MBE.
Tuesday – Lliswerry Primary School, Newport
Paralympic swimming champion Liz Johnson and Olympic swimmer Tom Haffield.
Wednesday – Oasis Academy Blakenhale Junior School, Birmingham
Swimmer Michael Gunning, England Netballer Ama Agbeze, and British gymnast Steve Frew.
Friday – Curwen Primary School, London
Paralympic footballer Alistair Patrick-Heselton and GB boxer Hannah Beharry.
About Youth Sport Trust:
The Youth Sport Trust is a national children’s charity dedicated to building a brighter future for young people through physical education, sport, and play. Their mission is to create a world where every child enjoys the life-changing benefits that come from being physically active and engaged in PE, sport, and play. For more information, please visit their website.
