A recent report from Statistics Canada reveals that the majority of teenagers are not meeting the recommended levels of physical activity. The data, spanning from 2022 to 2024, shows that only 21% of Canadian youth aged 12-17 are meeting these guidelines, a significant drop from 36% in the previous period of 2018-2019.
This decline in physical activity among teenagers is concerning, as experts highlight the crucial role it plays in the overall development of children. Travis Saunders, a professor at the University of Prince Edward Island specializing in the health impacts of sedentary behavior, emphasizes the positive effects of physical activity on various aspects of young people’s well-being, including physical health, mental health, bone health, 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 several hours of light physical activities. Additionally, vigorous and muscle-strengthening activities should be included at least three days a week.
While most preschoolers are meeting these activity recommendations, only half of children aged 5-11 are reported to be doing so. The decline in physical activity levels among teenagers may be linked to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with disruptions to regular physical education classes and sports activities potentially contributing to the trend.
Notably, teenage girls are shown to be significantly behind in meeting physical activity guidelines, with only 8% of girls aged 12-17 meeting the recommendations compared to 37% of younger girls aged 5-11. Experts suggest broadening the scope of physical activities beyond traditional sports to include activities like walking, biking, and hiking to encourage sustainable habits.
Mark Tremblay, a senior scientist at the University of Ottawa, emphasizes the need for a societal shift to prioritize physical activity as a critical health issue. He suggests that reducing screen time, regulating addictive aspects of social media, and creating more engaging outdoor spaces for youth could help address the decline in physical activity levels among adolescents.
In conclusion, while efforts have been made to promote youth physical activity, more consistent and substantial investments are needed to combat the negative impacts of sedentary behavior and screen time on young people’s health and well-being.