We all know the
importance of leading an active lifestyle, with both the media and our peers
constantly discussing the benefits of keeping fit. Statistics show that UK gym
memberships rose by 5.1% between March 2016 and March 2017. As a nation, we are
clearly trying to become more active – but does the same apply to our children?
A report by The
Guardian indicated
that 75% of children are now spending less time outside than prison inmates.
Guidelines published by the UN recommend a minimum of one hour per day of
outdoor exercise, yet studies show that the majority of children in the UK get
less than 60 minutes of outdoor play each day. Up to one fifth
of children were shown to have no outdoor play time at all in a typical day.
Conversely, children were found to be spending much longer playing on
electronic devices and tablets than they were playing outdoors.
