Four out of every five teenagers fail to meet the recommended levels of physical activity, as per the latest findings from Statistics Canada. The data indicates a concerning trend where physical activity is being overshadowed by screen time and social media among teens. The report shows a significant decrease in the percentage of youth aged 12-17 meeting physical activity guidelines, dropping from 36% in 2018-2019 to only 21% in 2022-2024.
Physical activity plays a crucial role in the overall development of children and adolescents, influencing various aspects of health and well-being. Travis Saunders, a professor at the University of Prince Edward Island specializing in sedentary behavior research, emphasizes the positive impact of physical activity on physical health, mental health, bone health, and academic performance in young individuals.
According to the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, children and teenagers 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.
Statistics Canada’s data reveals that while nine out of ten preschoolers meet the physical activity recommendations, only half of children aged 5-11 adhere to these guidelines. The decline in physical activity among teenagers may be linked to the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with disruptions to regular physical activities contributing to the decrease in active lifestyles.
Notably, teenage girls are shown to lag behind their male counterparts in meeting physical activity recommendations, with only 8% of girls aged 12-17 meeting the guidelines compared to 37% of girls aged 5-11. Experts suggest diversifying physical activity options beyond traditional sports to encourage sustainable habits in children, such as walking, biking, and hiking.
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. Addressing the imbalance between indoor and outdoor activities, as well as reducing sedentary behaviors associated with excessive screen time, is crucial for promoting healthier lifestyles among children and adolescents.
Efforts to enhance youth physical activity have been made through pilot projects and government initiatives, but there remains a lack of consistent and substantial investment compared to other public health interventions. Tremblay advocates for stricter regulations on addictive elements of social media and ongoing campaigns to promote physical gathering spaces for youth, aiming to reduce screen time and encourage active lifestyles among young individuals.
