Canadian children given D- in physical activity report as screen time increases

Every year, ParticipACTION creates a report card on the physical activity of children and youth across Canada.

Similar to the ones received in school, the report card assigns grades to a number of different indicators based on in-depth research of the health and activity levels of Canadians aged three to 17.

So, did we pass this year?

Hardly. The grade given for overall physical activity in children and youth in the 2018 ParticipACTION Report Card was a D+.

The U.S. was given a D-.

England got C- and only one country, Slovenia, managed anything higher than a B with A-.

The report found a continuing trend of inactivity in children and youth, with only 35% of children aged five to 17 reaching the physical activity levels recommended by the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines.

Unsurprisingly, screen time is a serious culprit, with a D grade assigned to sedentary behaviours. It was found that 76% of those aged three to four, and 51% of those aged five to 17, are engaging in more screen time than recommended by the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines.

Another study found that children aged five to 11 are spending 2.3 recreational hours on screens per day, and 12- to 17-year-olds are spending almost double that with 4.1 hours per day.

Kids should be spending more of their free time moving than sitting to stay healthy, but as screens and technology become more prevalent in our lives, how do we maintain a healthy balance?

The report also found high levels of preventable chronic diseases, obesity, diabetes and the use of mental health services.

This is especially prevalent for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome and autism, who may struggle to find as many opportunities to be active.

According to the Government of Canada, obesity rates among Canadian children and youth have nearly tripled in the last three decades. Children who struggle with obesity are more likely to develop several other health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, bone and joint problems, breathing problems and more.

Possibly one of the most important items outlined in the report is the potential negative consequences of this trend toward inactivity, with a focus on how physical health also affects our brains and, therefore, many other areas of our lives.

The report found that being more active improves test scores, memory, learning, creativity, focus, mental health and self-esteem.