A recent report by Statistics Canada reveals that the majority of teenagers in Canada are failing to meet recommended levels of physical activity, setting a concerning trend that experts warn could worsen due to the dominance of screens and social media in teens’ lives. The data, spanning from 2022 to 2024, indicates that only 21% of youth aged 12-17 are meeting physical activity guidelines, a significant drop from the 36% reported in the previous period from 2018 to 2019.
This decline is particularly alarming as physical activity plays a crucial role in the overall development of children and adolescents, impacting various aspects of their health and well-being. Travis Saunders, a health behavior researcher at the University of Prince Edward Island, emphasizes the positive effects of physical activity on physical health, mental well-being, bone health, and academic performance among young individuals.
According to the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, children aged 5-17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily, along with light physical activities throughout the day. Additionally, vigorous and muscle-strengthening activities should be incorporated at least three days a week.
While preschoolers and children aged 5-11 are more successful in meeting these guidelines, the statistics paint a grim picture for teenagers, especially girls. Only 8% of teenage girls are reported to be meeting the recommendations, in stark contrast to the 37% of younger girls adhering to the guidelines. Experts suggest promoting a broader range of physical activities beyond traditional sports, such as walking, biking, and hiking, to instill long-term healthy habits in children.
The COVID-19 pandemic’s disruptions to regular physical activity routines may have contributed to the decline in teen activity levels, with many missing out on structured sports and gym classes. To address this issue, experts advocate for societal changes that prioritize physical activity as a significant public health concern. Mark Tremblay, a senior scientist at the University of Ottawa, underscores the need for sustained efforts to reduce screen time, create more outdoor spaces for youth, and rebalance sedentary and active behaviors to mitigate negative health impacts associated with excessive screen time and sedentary lifestyles.