Children’s fitness levels are being hampered by inactive summers.
New research suggests that lazy holiday periods are leading to a significant decrease in the fitness levels of UK schoolchildren, hindering efforts to change the epidemic of physical inactivity we are currently facing.
Following a recent study by the ukactive Research Institute, schoolchildren could be losing up to 80% of any fitness gained during term times due to inactive holiday periods. The study showed that large numbers of children experienced significant drop-offs in their fitness levels post-summer break, as well as a noticeable raise in their body mass index (a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters).
The authors of the study say that whilst the government has promised a huge £500m cash-injection into school sport through the forthcoming sugar levy, the results of this study shows that the funding needs to also be used to offer extra encouragement to both children and parents to be more active over the summer, to counter this drop-off.
ukactive research director and lead author Dr Steven Mann, who presented the findings last month said “The research we are presenting shows for the first time that the inactivity problem in the UK stems from an inactive summer time”.
“Schools and activity providers are doing a fantastic job to increase fitness levels during term time, but the evidence shows that we need to focus our efforts on ensuring that the summer months are active months for all children.”
Prior studies indicate that only half of seven-year-olds are undertaking at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day (the recommended guideline for that age in this country), with bad habits often forming throughout sedentary early years.
Further research attributes excessive screen time on smartphones, computers, TVs and iPads as one of the biggest causes of inactive behaviour among children during school holidays, with a recent poll finding that almost nine in ten UK parents feel tablets and smartphones are adding to Britain’s youth inactivity crisis, with ukactive calling for an urgent rethink of how children are engaged with physical activity beyond the school gates.
David Batch, chief executive of Premier Sport commented that “This scientific evidence means we can be much smarter when we invest in children’s fitness, using meaningful and measurable interventions to drive improvement.”
South Downs Leisure offers the perfect solution to a lazy summer with their Summer Fun holiday programme; offering an abundance of exciting sporting and creative activities and academies throughout four sites over the holiday period. With flexible options, or you can leave your child for a full day of fun whilst you go to work.
For more information or to book activities on the Summer Fun holiday programme, please contact 01903 905050, or visit: www.southdownsleisure.co.uk where you can also view or download the brochure.