Physical activity positively effects cognition in children. Being physically active releases hormones, neurotransmitters and a protein responsible for learning, memory and higher thinking. Sport and recreation can also lead to increased self-esteem and the development of motivation and determination. Children are most active at primary school age with activity levels dropping with age, particularly at 14-18 and especially in girls Childhood membership of a sports club increases likelihood of being active as an adult. Those active for 20 minutes per day at age 14 are 4 time more likely to be active for 20 minutes 4 times per week as a man and 3 time more likely as a woman at age 31 Information from the Schools Health Education Unit (SHEU) survey conducted in B&NES schools: Most children say that they enjoy physical activities At Primary School around 50% of our pupils walk to school, this drops to 40% at Secondary School Physical activity has to compete with activities such as watching TV, playing computer games, the internet, meeting friends, homework, playing musical instruments, listening to music etc. and so has to be engaging and fun Just over 80% of young people say they watched TV, or videos on DVD’s the day prior to the survey 93% of our Primary School children own a bicycle We will know we have made a difference if: The SHEU survey shows activity levels increasing We reduce the drop off in activity levels at 14-18 years What we will do: Work to promote the benefits of physical activity and encouraging participation Ensure high-level strategic policy planning for children and young people supports the physical activity agenda and makes links to this strategy Support a Play strategy refresh to ensure opportunities exist for formal and informal play Support the delivery of cycle training and awareness programmes for families Continue to ensure that the SHEU survey is commissioned bi annually to understand needs, barriers and interests of children and young people Promote physically active and sustainable travel Commission targeted weight management programmes that are informed by the National Child Weighing and Measuring Programme data
Physical activity positively effects cognition in children. Being physically active releases hormones, neurotransmitters and a protein responsible for learning, memory and higher thinking. Sport and recreation can also lead to increased self-esteem and the development of motivation and determination. Children are most active at primary school age with activity levels dropping with age, particularly at 14-18 and especially in girls Childhood membership of a sports club increases likelihood of being active as an adult. Those active for 20 minutes per day at age 14 are 4 time more likely to be active for 20 minutes 4 times per week as a man and 3 time more likely as a woman at age 31 Information from the Schools Health Education Unit (SHEU) survey conducted in B&NES schools: Most children say that they enjoy physical activities At Primary School around 50% of our pupils walk to school, this drops to 40% at Secondary School Physical activity has to compete with activities such as watching TV, playing computer games, the internet, meeting friends, homework, playing musical instruments, listening to music etc. and so has to be engaging and fun Just over 80% of young people say they watched TV, DVD’s or videos on the day prior to the survey 93% of our Primary School children own a bicycle We will know we have made a difference if: The SHEU survey shows activity levels increasing We reduce the drop off in activity levels at 14-18 years What we will do: Work to promote the benefits of physical activity and encouraging participation Ensure high-level strategic policy planning for children and young people supports the physical activity agenda and makes links to this strategy Support a Play strategy refresh to ensure opportunities exist for formal and informal play Support the delivery of cycle training and awareness programmes for families Continue to ensure that the SHEU survey is commissioned bi annually to understand needs, barriers and interests of children and young people Promote physically active and sustainable travel Commission targeted weight management programmes that are informed by the National Child Weighing and Measuring Programme data