We regularly read headlines about the decline in physical activity - and increasing obesity - among Australian children. That may be so, but not all of our youth are inactive. Indeed, 63 per cent of five to 14-year-olds participate in regular organised sport in addition to any physical education and sport during school hours. And almost a third of these children (31 per cent) find time to participate in two or more organised sports!
The Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 review of Children's Participation in Cultural and Leisure Activities found overall participation in organised sport increased four per cent from 2000-2006, with the number of girls taking part rising from 52 to 58 per cent. Boys continued to have a higher participation rate (69 per cent), up three per cent from 2000.
The most popular sport was swimming, with a participation rate of 17 per cent. Boys' favourite sports included outdoor soccer, swimming, Australian Rules football, tennis and outdoor cricket. For girls, the most popular sports were swimming and netball.
On the flip side, 27 per cent of children did not take place in any organised sport or cultural activities outside school hours. Children who did not participate in out of school activities were more likely to be from non-English speaking backgrounds, single parent households or homes where neither parent was employed.
Teaming up
A feature of children's involvement in sport is that they are more likely to participate in a team sport than an individual activity. So if you have children and are concerned about their activity levels, encourage them to take up a team sport. Besides the obvious health benefits resulting from the activity, playing with team mates enhances social skills and creates a sense of belonging in a community.
- Steve Hore is a health and fitness consultant
- Tim Pegler is the editor of www.fitness2live.com.au
References:
Australian Bureau of Statistics Review (2006): Children's Participation in Cultural and Leisure Activities
Related reading:
Active Parenting Required
Encourage Your Kids To Be Active
Team Up for Good Times
Ref Rage? No Way!
Power Up Girls
