Information for Parents

Parents

Children of all ages are engaging in less physical activity and more screen time, which is having negative impacts on their health, such as an impact on their obesity status and cognition. Low levels of physical activity and high levels of screen media time during early childhood can persist into adolescence and are associated with poor health outcomes. Due to this, it is recommended that children of all ages engage in regular physical activity.  

Preschool-age children (3–5 years of age) should participate in approximately 180 minutes of total daily physical activity. For preschool-age children, the total daily activities should include both unstructured activities (active play activities where children choose what they want to do with no specific goal) and structured activities (activities where either a parent or teacher selects what the kids are doing and have specific learning goals). 

School-age children (those older than 5 years of age) should participate in at least 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of daily physical activity. This should include both aerobic activities and exercises that strengthen bones and muscles.