FAST FACTS

The facts are clear. Quality physical activity in children and youth does more than improve health and well-being. It helps build confidence, leadership, productivity and creativity. Research and science also shows that physical activity in school improves a student's concentration, attention span and mood ensuring they are more prepared to learn.

Read more below to learn about the importance of getting Canadian kids active at school.

"Approximately 9 out of 10 (90%) Canadian children and youth do not get the appropriate level of daily physical activity."

- Physical activity and sedentary behavior during the early years in Canada:
a cross-sectional study; Rachel C. Colley et al.

The Decline of Quality Physical Activity

"The declining levels of physical activity and fitness in children and youth are associated with adverse health."

"Sedentary behaviour for more than two hours per day can lead to decreased fitness, lowered scores of self-esteem and decreased academic performance."

"Only 7% of 5 to 11 year-olds and 3.5% of 12 to 17 year-olds met the physical activity guideline of 60 daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity."

Quality Physical Activity At School

"Federal and provincial government support the need to target interventions that reach children throughout the various development phases of childhood, where they live, learn and play - including at school."

"Schools are one of the most critical settings for promoting physical activity among children and youth."

"There is a growing body of research focused on the association between school-based physical activity, including physical education and academic performance among school-aged youth."

Benefits of Daily Quality Physical Activity

"Physical activity habits that children pick up in childhood can carry over to adult hood."

"Additional physical activity at school has helped improve students’ behaviour in the classroom."

"Routine physical activity is associated with improved psychological well-being."

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