Over 33% of children and young people in England do less than 30 minutes of physical activity a day!

In December 2018, Sport England published the first Active Lives Children and Young People report, which showed that more than a third of the children and young people in England do fewer than 30 minutes of physical activity a day.

Less active children

The Active Lives Children and Young People Survey is the largest of its kind and gives comprehensive insight into how children in England are taking part in sport and physical activity, both in and out of school.

The first annual report provides the strongest evidence yet that not enough is being done to support our children and young people. Urgent change is needed if we're to increase the activity levels for future generations, and to influence positive health outcomes for the future.

Measuring Activity

Sport England aim to survey 100,000 children and young people in Years 1 to 11 each academic year. In Dorset, 144 schools will be invited to participate in 2018-19, where 48 schools will be randomly selected each term. Schools are able to 'top up' their classes to include all children in their school. The survey is school-based and cover measures of children's activity levels, physical literacy, swimming proficiency, well-being, self-efficacy and levels of social trust.

All schools will receive a bespoke report from Sport England about their pupils and it only takes 20 minutes per person to answer the on-line survey! The results will shape and influence local decision-making as well as inform government policy.