Parents are being urged to keep their children active over the summer holidays after research showed fewer than half get enough exercise. A Disney-inspired Government campaign – 10 Minute Shake Up – is being relaunched to encourage children to be active. It was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Research shows 45% of children are meeting the chief medical officer’s guidelines of one hour of exercise per day. The campaign says this hour can be broken down into manageable chunks by playing fun games together.
The campaign sets out how to play different games inspired by characters from Disney’s Frozen and Encanto, Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear, and Marvel’s Captain Marvel, Thor and Iron Man. Health experts say children should keep active during school holidays as they are missing out on their usual school-based PE sessions and play times.
Public health minister Maggie Throup said: “Being active is vitally important to living longer and healthier lives and helps kids to feel good, build confidence and develop important skills. The 10 Minute Shake Ups are a great way for children to have fun over the summer holidays, and these free activities will also help parents keep their kids entertained for less, while making sure they’re getting the daily exercise they need to stay healthy.”
Data shows that children from white British backgrounds are more likely to be active (48%) than those from Asian (39%), black (36%) and other ethnic minority (38%) backgrounds.
Professor Kevin Fenton, regional director for London for the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), which is delivering the campaign, said: “Children often find themselves bored with so much time on their hands during the summer holidays, and it’s often a challenge for parents to keep their kids entertained, particularly if people are on a tight budget.
“Data also shows that those from ethnic minority communities are also less likely to get the one hour of physical activity as recommended by the chief medical officer. These Shake Up games are a great way for every child – regardless of their background – to have fun for less while staying active and healthy.”
All the 10 Minute Shake Up games can be accessed at the official website.
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