With the summer holidays in full swing, Hampshire County Council is encouraging families and kids to take advantage of the sunshine to be active for 60 minutes a day
Research shows that physical activity not only keep kids fit but also contributes to their social skills and emotional wellbeing. Whilst most parents are aware of the fitness benefits of being active, a recent survey from Change4Life and Disney UK found that only just over half of parents in the South East know that it can also build children’s self-confidence, reduce anxiety and improve their self-esteem.
Councillor Judith Grajewski, Executive Member for Public Health at the Local Authority, said: “Enjoyment is one of the great motivators to children being active, which is why the Change4Life and Disney summer campaign draws upon children’s favourite stories to make sport and physical activity fun. If you can get your children to be active, they will often be happier and more confident too.”
The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that children do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, yet just 20% of boys and even fewer girls (14%), are meeting this target.
Change4Life’s 10 Minute Shake Up games are inspired by characters from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 and Incredibles 2 and Disney’s Frozen and The Lion King. More than half of children surveyed in the South East said they would be inspired to be more physically active if they saw their favourite characters being energetic.
The campaign reinforces that simple daily activities like active play, scooting or walking also count.
Search Change4Life for more information on this summer’s 10 Minute Shake Up games and quizzes.
