Youngsters not feeling the benefits of outdoor play
30/09/2009 The vast majority of British school children are not getting enough exercise, according to research.
A survey by the British Heart Foundation has found that only one in eight school kids are doing 60 minutes of physical activity a day - a figure which Bupa say is the least a child should be doing.
However, the research uncovered that 78 per cent of children were not aware of the recommended daily amount of exercise, while 30 per cent of youngsters admitted that they 'can't be bothered' to exercise on a daily basis.
Meanwhile, 55 per cent of youngsters said they spent 60 minutes or more a day texting and/or chatting to their friends and visiting social networking websites.
Jo Butcher, assistant director at the wellbeing department of the National Children's Bureau said the statistics were "worrying".
"Not only does regular physical activity promote good physical health, but also it helps children and young people feel good, supports their development and enables them to learn about relationships," she said
A survey by the British Heart Foundation has found that only one in eight school kids are doing 60 minutes of physical activity a day - a figure which Bupa say is the least a child should be doing.
However, the research uncovered that 78 per cent of children were not aware of the recommended daily amount of exercise, while 30 per cent of youngsters admitted that they 'can't be bothered' to exercise on a daily basis.
Meanwhile, 55 per cent of youngsters said they spent 60 minutes or more a day texting and/or chatting to their friends and visiting social networking websites.
Jo Butcher, assistant director at the wellbeing department of the National Children's Bureau said the statistics were "worrying".
"Not only does regular physical activity promote good physical health, but also it helps children and young people feel good, supports their development and enables them to learn about relationships," she said
