As the fight continues to get kids to leave their screens and become more active, researchers have discovered another major hurdle to overcome.
A national study of more than 10,000 children, between the ages of eight and 12, in 11 cities shows that only about one-third have achieved an acceptable level of what is called “physical literacy.”
According to the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy, published this week as a supplement in the journal BMC Public Health, physical literacy is more than fitness. It includes such elements as motivation, confidence and knowledge to engage in physical activities that can help kids as they mature and move into adulthood.
Basic movement skills, such as throwing, catching, running, kicking and jumping, are also involved.
The findings of the study, conducted between 2014 and 2017, are worrisome, considering how much importance educators across the country – including those at St. Albert’s public and Catholic schools – place on movement when promoting healthy living to their students.
Any impediment to being physically active, particularly for youngsters, cannot be ignored by parents or school officials, particularly given the high obesity rate among children.
Data from the Public Health Agency of Canada showed in 2017, 30 per cent of children aged five to 17 were overweight or obese.
The president and CEO of ParticipACTION, a non-profit group that touts the benefits of exercise, said on Tuesday the new research is a strong indicator that more must be done to boost fitness levels.
“Every organization concerned with the well-being of children, whether provincial governments, municipal public health and recreation departments, boards of education and sports or recreation groups, should allocate additional resources to increase children’s physical literacy,” Elio Antunes said.
“Additional education campaigns, greater priority in school curricula and increased numbers of physical education specialists could have a real impact in the health of Canada’s children.”
Several St. Albertans, enjoying a walk along Red Willow Trail on Thursday evening, said even though the study didn’t deal specifically with local students, parents and the school boards should be concerned about the results.
“Kids here, no doubt, are like those kids (researchers) kept track of. Bet it’s a problem in St. Albert, right across the province, probably,” Tim Evans said. “Getting children to put down their phones or stop being on the computer to go outside and get fresh air is almost impossible these days.”
Cathy Lewis said it’s a wake-up call for her family.
“That’s definitely not the type of thing a parent wants to hear. You want your kids to enjoy being active,” said the mother of two. “We have to do everything we can to ensure they are.”
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to improving kids’ physical literacy, but as families gather to give thanks this holiday weekend, there’s an excellent opportunity to get the ball rolling. Suggest a walk, a swim or a game of catch to the kids. It’s a great chance to bond and it will do the body some good.
