Children around the world are becoming less physically active, raising concerns among scientists about long-term health effects. Rising obesity rates, increased screen time, stress, unhealthy diets, and lower participation in sports have all contributed to this decline. Currently, one in ten children and adolescents globally is living with obesity.
Experts say this trend could continue into adulthood because physically inactive children are more likely to remain inactive later in life. Studies also show that active children generally enjoy better physical health, stronger mental wellbeing, and improved academic performance.
One long-term study that followed 712 World War Two veterans over 50 years found that participating in sports during high school was strongly linked to better health at age 70, higher activity levels in old age, and fewer doctor visits.
Research has consistently shown that childhood exercise can lower body mass index, reduce waist size, improve cognitive performance, and support mental health. Physical activity also helps children develop stronger attention, quicker reaction times, and better self-control, which are important for learning and concentration.
Nicole Logan, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Rhode Island, explained that physical activity not only improves body composition but also supports brain development during adolescence. She noted that better cardiovascular fitness is directly connected to healthier brain function.
In one nine-month after-school exercise program, children with obesity who participated in moderate to vigorous activities five days a week showed improved cognitive performance and reduced body fat. Researchers believe lower inflammation caused by reduced fat around vital organs may contribute to better brain function.
Experts now suggest that schools should aim to provide at least 60 minutes of movement daily. This could reduce pressure on parents, as organized sports can often be expensive and time-consuming.
Studies also show that children do not need structured sports to benefit from movement. In one US study, simply increasing opportunities for movement during and after school and improving access to healthy food helped reduce body mass index among elementary school students.
Professor Ulla Toft from the University of Copenhagen said that preventing childhood obesity requires improving food environments, encouraging physical activity, limiting screen time, and supporting healthy sleep habits.
School-based programs encouraging students to stand more often and move around classrooms have also shown positive results. One UK study reported an 8 percent reduction in waist-to-hip ratio and a 10 percent increase in sports participation among children after teachers encouraged less sitting during lessons.
Researchers found that even a single 30-minute session of physical activity improved children’s cognitive performance.
Parental support also plays an important role. Studies show that children are more likely to stay active if their parents encourage sports participation or exercise with them. Simple activities such as cycling, jogging, or outdoor play together can increase children’s activity levels.
Experts also stress the importance of helping children feel confident and included during physical activity. Michaela James from Swansea University found that children who feel competent and comfortable while moving experience greater wellbeing. She believes schools should offer children more freedom to choose activities they enjoy rather than focusing only on structured sports.
Researchers suggest that unstructured play, active breaks, and creatively designed playgrounds can encourage children to move more naturally. Activities such as climbing trees, running, jumping, and playing games are all valuable forms of movement that support healthy growth and happiness.
