Active Healthy Kids Australia. 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People. "Is Sport Enough?"

Abstract

Introduction: The Active Healthy Kids Australia 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People addresses one of the most critical issues facing Australia and much of the world: the epidemic of childhood inactivity. The Report Card is designed to: inform public policy; highlight where more research is needed; and encourage all Australians to make positive lifestyle changes. Methods: The Report Card synthesised national and state-level data since 2008. The Research Working Group of 24 Australian experts evaluated all synthesised data before assigning grades to each of the indicators based on pre-determined benchmarks and metrics. Twelve indicators were included in the Report Card, with each grouped into one of four categories: Strategies and Investments (Government Strategies and Investments), Settings and Sources of Influence (Family and Peers, School, Community and the Built Environment), Physical Activity Behaviours that contribute to Overall Physical Activity Levels (Organised Sport and Physical Activity Participation, Physical Education and Physical Activity Participation in Schools, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behaviours) and Traits (Aerobic Fitness, Movement Skills). Results: Overall Physical Activity Levels was assigned a grade of D-. Other physical activity behaviours were also graded as below average (D to D-), while Organised Sport and Physical Activity Participation was assigned a grade of B-. Australia performed better for settings and sources of influence and Government Strategies and Investments (A- and C+ respectively). Discussion: The physical activity levels of Australian children and young people are very low, despite relatively supportive social, environmental and regulatory environments. There are clear gaps in the research that need to be filled, such as the need for objective nationally representative data across all indicators, and consistent data collection methods need to be established. Australia as a nation is very passionate about sport and this is reflected in the relatively ‘high’ grade assigned to Organised Sport and Physical Activity Participation (B-). While participation in organised sport and physical activity provides numerous benefits beyond increasing physical activity levels, sport is not the only avenue for physical activity. This is the rationale for the question posed with the results for Overall Physical Activity Levels: “Is sport enough?”