Almost three-quarters (72%) of children are not getting 60 minutes of daily activity outside of school, according to a major government survey.
The “How Are The Kids Survey”, launched as part of the government’s Change4Life campaign in January, received more than 260,000 responses from families across England.
It found that almost half (45%) of their kids watched TV or played nonactive video games before school, and only 22% did something active after their evening meal.
A new Change4Life advert, focusing on getting families more active, will be screened from today (24 April 2009), in an effort to cut levels of obesity.
Dawn Primarolo, Minister for Public Health, said: “Our survey shows that kids just aren’t getting up and about as much as they should. If we’re going to cut obesity levels, our children need to be active for at least 60 minutes a day.”
She added: “Families up and down the country are getting tailor-made action plans from Change4Life, and our new ads will give additional encouragement to help families feel the difference.
“By eating better and moving more, we can all live longer and healthier lives. With continued support from Change4Life this can be a reality for every family in England.”
