Teachers underestimate how long children should be active for

The UK Chief Medical Officer (CMO) recommends that children aged 5 to 18 should be highly active (with an elevated heart rate) for an average of at least 60 minutes a day, across the week in order to stay happy and healthy.

However, research by Teacher Tapp commissioned by the Youth Sport Trust shows that over half of teachers (52%) believe that children should be active for 30 minutes a day or less, and only 35% of teachers think that children should be active for 60 or more minutes a day. This highlights the need for more support and training for schools and teachers. 

Similarly, YouGov research commissioned by the Youth Sport Trust reveals that parents are more likely to believe that children only need to be active for 30 minutes a day, less than half of the recommended guidance.

In a bid to drive up awareness of the Chief Medical Officers’ guidance, the charity has launched the annual National School Sports Week campaign, powered by Sports Direct, to get more children ‘playing for fun, playing for 60’ between 19 and 25 June. 

The campaign will work with families, schools and across society to ensure that people are better informed about the benefits of sport and play for their children. 

National School Sports Week is aiming to boost children’s activity levels by encouraging people and organisations to make a #PledgeToPlay for 60 minutes every day during this week. 

Last year, schools taking part in National School Sports Week provided more than 650,000 young people with opportunities to be involved in PE, play and sport. 

Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, Alison Oliver MBE, said: “We know children are leading increasingly sedentary lives. Screen time is up, and time spent in nature is down – it’s no surprise that parents and teachers are increasingly concerned about children’s physical activity levels and the consequence of this in the classroom. 

“Children’s formative years can influence their wellbeing, development, education outcomes and physical activity levels well into adulthood. There is a compelling evidence base for more play and sport in children’s lives. Pockets of innovative practice which are unlocking new ways to inspire young people to get active are emerging, but a priority has to be raising public awareness of the CMO guidance should be a priority alongside action to help schools and families respond. 

“National School Sports Week is a great opportunity for us to engage with schools and families. We’re excited to share some brilliant ideas and guidance as well as uniting a movement of organisations to help amplify why this is important and what’s available at a local level. We are inviting the nation to #PledgeToPlay. 

“Today we issue a rallying call. Daily physical activity, play and the development of physical literacy through physical education and school sport should be an integral part of every childhood, and we are really excited to work with Sports Direct to make play and sport more accessible for more young people and in turn help them lead happier and healthier lives.”