Health & Wellbeing

Ensuring that P.E, sport and physical activity is high quality and accessed by all can play a major role in maintaining and improving the health and wellbeing of young people.

Children and young people's participation in physical activity is important for their healthy growth and development. It can reduce the risk of chronic conditions (for example, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease) and improve their general health and wellbeing.

Physical activity is also associated with improved attainment, attendance, improved concentration levels, more positive social behaviour, such as being kind to class mates and attempting to resolve disputes, and children feeling liked by peers and that they have enough friends. Physical activity is also associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression with children being happier with their appearance and reporting higher levels of self-esteem, happiness and satisfaction with their lives. Enjoying physical activity is also associated with happiness and lower levels of worry.

Current guidelines recommend that children and young people should do a minimum of 60 minutes of at least moderate-intensity physical activity each day. At least three times a week, this should include activities to improve bone health (weight-bearing activities that produce high physical stresses on the bones, such as running and jumping), muscle strength and flexibility.

Got any questions?

For further support in ensuring that you are maximising the power of physical activity for health benefits contact Stephen Hulme.

Stephen Hulme

Development & Relationship Manager - Children and Young People

Locality lead

• West Norfolk
• North Norfolk

Children and Young People

• Primary schools/education
• Youth services & youth priorities
• Early Years

Telephone

01603 732 381

Email

stephen.hulme@activenorfolk.org