Did you know only 5.6% of Australian children are currently meeting the exercise guidelines?
We still can’t believe that just 5.6% of Aussie children are meeting the PA guidelines and are performing 3 hours of physical activity/play (aged 36-60 months) and 60 minutes daily (5 to 17). Living an active lifestyle from a young age sets the foundation for a lifetime of health. According to a 2020 study published in JAMA Pediatrics, children who are physically active are more likely to maintain healthy weight, lower their risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and establish positive health behaviours, skills and an active lifestyle into the future. This reduced active time doesn’t only affect the physical health of Aussie kids, it also the cognitive and emotional development, mental wellbeing, learning and social skills (Donnelly et al., 2021; Wendel-Vos et al., 2020).
Boost Classroom Performance and Focus
Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to support cognitive and emotional development. It boosts levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. When you move your body exercises isn’t only increased to your muscles, but also to your brain! This has been found to positively impact attention, memory and problem-solving skills of children and adolescents, which supports learning. Research suggests that incorporating short bouts of physical activity into the school day can boost classroom performance and focus (Donnelly et al., 2021).
Physical activity is associated with better emotional regulation, reduced anxiety, and lower levels of depression among children (Wendel-Vos et al., 2020). When we move our body it initiates the chemical release of ‘feel good’ hormones serotonin and dopamine, heightening mood and self-esteem to contribute to overall mental wellbeing (Tremblay et al., 2018). Encouraging children to be active fosters essential cognitive and emotional skills that can support lifelong learning and resilience.
The Benefits Of Exercise
The benefits of exercise extend beyond the individual to enhance social skills and teamwork. A 2023 study in The Journal of Early Adolescence highlights that participating in team sports and group physical activities helps children develop important social skills, such as communication, cooperation, and empathy. These activities provide opportunities for children to learn how to work with others, handle competition with humility and build lasting friendships.
Here at Vitality Semaphore we are here to help you and your family live your healthiest life. Over the September school holidays we are running a challenge, ‘Spring Movers’ to encourage children and adolescents within our local community keep moving to meet the physical activity guidelines over the spring break!
Spring Movers ‘Activity Card’
Below you will find a Spring Movers ‘Activity Card’ to complete over the September School Holidays. For each activity take a picture and glue it into the empty square. Once all squares are filled bring in a physical copy of your Activity Card and collect a surprise to support your future sports season!* You can also save the Activity Card to your device if it is easier to add photos and videos this way. Tag us @vitalitysemaphore if you post your ‘Spring Movers’ session so we can follow along on the fun and support your journey!
Must bring in printout of Activity Card with photos attached or photos and/or videos on a device before 13 October 2024 to receive a surprise.
References
1. Biddle, S.J.H. & Asare, M. (2011) ‘Physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents: A review of reviews’, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(11), pp. 886-895.
2. Donnelly, J.E., et al. (2021) ‘Physical activity and academic achievement: A systematic review’, Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 18(5), pp. 569-579.
3. Ginsburg, K.R. (2007) ‘The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds’, Pediatrics, 119(1), pp. 182-191.
4. Tremblay, M.S., et al. (2018) ‘Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep: Advances and challenges in the field’, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 21(2), pp. 165-169.
5. Wendel-Vos, W., et al. (2020) ‘The relationship between physical activity and mental health in children: A systematic review’, Health Psychology Review, 14(2), pp. 132-148.
6. Müller, S., et al. (2019) ‘The effects of physical activity on cognitive development in children: A systematic review’, Educational Psychology Review, 31(4), pp. 547-569.
7. Zhou, L., et al. (2021) ‘The impact of physical activity on emotional well-being in children: A systematic review’, Journal of Affective Disorders, 279, pp. 387-396.