Concern over children's lack of exercise
Figures reveal half of children in Hampshire are not active enough
New data reveals that half of the children in Hampshire local authority were not active enough during the last academic year 2021/22.
The guidelines from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) recommend that young people do an average of 60 minutes of physical activity daily throughout the week.
At the same time, Government policy aims for children and young people to engage in at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity throughout the school day and 30 minutes outside of school.
Overall, the amount of time children spend being active is increasing; however, this is not enough.
Data presented at the Hampshire County Council Health and Wellbeing Board (October 5) indicated that 89,700 children in Hampshire, except the unitary authorities, didn’t exercise enough for the minimum average minutes in the last year.
Asian, black and “other” communities are the ones that exercise the least.
In contrast, “white British” communities are the group that exercises the most.
Officers indicated that there is no need to be at the gym or practise an expensive activity to exercise; one simple and accessible way is walking in the park; these easy gestures would be enough to achieve that minimum mintage.
Daily physical activity can reduce levels of depression by 30% while reducing the risk of major illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and respiratory illness by up to 50%.
The County Council has offered alternatives where children can exercise in a positive learning environment to promote physical activities.
In June 2023, over 1,300 pupils from 120 schools attended the “Hampshire School Games”. Forty activities were offered, from circus skills to Quidditch, African drumming and climbing. To continue offering the service, planning for 2024 is underway, with investment in place until 2025.
The County Council also will continue to support opening school facilities for local community and school users outside of the normal school day thanks to over £1.15 million investment over three years from the Department for Education.
A total of eighteen local schools across Hampshire in areas of need are already benefiting from the initiative.
Regarding adults currently, 21% of adults in Hampshire, excluding the unitary authorities, are inactive.