A recent report from Statistics Canada reveals that only 21% of teenagers aged 12-17 in Canada met physical activity guidelines from 2022 to 2024, a significant drop from 36% in the preceding period. This decline is concerning as physical activity plays a crucial role in children’s overall development, impacting various aspects such as physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance.
According to the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, children aged 5-17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily, along with light physical activities and muscle-strengthening exercises on three days per week. Despite preschoolers meeting activity recommendations, only half of children aged 5-11 were found to be compliant.
The decrease in teenage physical activity levels may be linked to the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with disruptions to regular physical education and sports activities potentially leading to sustained sedentary behaviors among adolescents. Notably, teenage girls were found to be the least active group, with only 8% meeting activity guidelines, compared to 37% of younger girls.
Experts emphasize the need to broaden the concept of physical activity beyond traditional sports, encouraging activities like walking, biking, and hiking to establish long-term healthy habits. Addressing the issue requires a societal shift to recognize physical activity as a critical health concern, with calls for increased efforts to reduce screen time and create more engaging outdoor spaces for youth.
While various initiatives have aimed to boost youth physical activity, experts highlight the need for consistent and substantial investments in this area. Regulating addictive aspects of social media and promoting offline social interactions are suggested strategies to combat sedentary behaviors and improve overall well-being among adolescents.