Exercising outdoors 'essential for children's growth'
07/08/2009 New research has found that youngsters are not taking part in enough exercise.
A Mori poll commissioned by the Department of Children, Schools and Families found that only 21 per cent of five to 19-year-olds take part in three hours or more of organised sport each week.
Commenting on the findings, Catherine Prisk, assistant director of Play England, said: "Regular physical exercise is essential for children's growth, development and wellbeing".
She went on to say that anecdotally schools that have invested in supporting free play opportunities at break times report children having better concentration in lessons after break, while also reducing tension in the playgrounds.
Boys are significantly more likely than girls to have participated in three or more hours of exercise(26 per cent vs 16 per cent), while girls are more likely than boys to have been completely inactive (52 per cent vs 43 per cent).
A Mori poll commissioned by the Department of Children, Schools and Families found that only 21 per cent of five to 19-year-olds take part in three hours or more of organised sport each week.
Commenting on the findings, Catherine Prisk, assistant director of Play England, said: "Regular physical exercise is essential for children's growth, development and wellbeing".
She went on to say that anecdotally schools that have invested in supporting free play opportunities at break times report children having better concentration in lessons after break, while also reducing tension in the playgrounds.
Boys are significantly more likely than girls to have participated in three or more hours of exercise(26 per cent vs 16 per cent), while girls are more likely than boys to have been completely inactive (52 per cent vs 43 per cent).
