Saskatchewan In Motion is not surprised by the disappointing failing grade on this year's Report Card on Physical Activity for Children & Youth. Today, the 2012 Report Card was released by Active Healthy Kids Canada. "We know that less than 15% of Saskatchewan kids are not getting the physical activity they need every day," said Cathie Kryzanowski, General Manager of Saskatchewan In Motion.
Saskatchewan In Motion continues to work hard to raise the grade on physical activity for Saskatchewan children and youth. The In Motion 30?30?30 solution encourages parents, caregivers, educators and community leaders to get kids active for at least 30 minutes at home, 30 minutes at school and 30 minutes in the community. By following the formula, the daily requirement of more than 60 minutes of physical activity every day can be easily achieved."
According to the Report Card, which assigns an "F" grade for Active Play and Leisure, 46 percent of Canadian kids are getting a mere three hours or less of active play per week, including weekends. "Parents say that busy schedules and lack of time is the main reason that active play falls to the wayside" said Kryzanowski. "But we also know that children and youth spend an average of 60 minutes every day in front of a screen. We are asking all Saskatchewan parents to consider trading just 30 minutes of screen time for 30 minutes of active play time every day."
To assist parents to achieve that goal, In Motion has launched Re:activity. Re:activity is a multi-media memo to parents that uses the power of social media to show parents how they can increase physical activity at home. Parents and caregivers will find inspiring webisode stories, expert advice and practical tools and information to help get their families more physically active.
"Unstructured play is declining with each generation, and this is having a negative effect on the health and wellness of our children and youth," said Dr. Mark Tremblay, Chief Scientific Officer, Active Healthy Kids Canada, and Director of HALO. "Kids of all ages should have regular opportunities for active play, where they can let loose, explore, run, climb, crawl and play in parks with friends, like their parents once did. Active play is fun, but it's also shown to improve a child's motor function, creativity, decision-making, problem-solving and social skills."
To access re:activity, or for tools and resources for families, schools and communities, visit saskatchewaninmotion.ca. Report Card details are available at activehealthykids.ca.
