Physical Activity Guidelines: Children (5-12 yrs)

The first in a series of stories featuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines  for various age groups as provided by the Australian Government, Department of Health.

Australia’s Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Children (5-12 years)

Being physically active is good for kids’ health, and creates opportunities for making new friends and developing physical and social skills. These Guidelines are for all children aged 5-12 years who have started school, irrespective of cultural background, gender or ability.

The guidelines are outlined below and are also available in the Make your move – Sit less – Be active for life! brochure which provides further information and guidance about physical activity, play, sedentary behaviour (sitting) and ‘screen time’ for children.

Physical Activity

• For health benefits, children aged 5–12 years should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity every day.
• Children’s physical activity should include a variety of aerobic activities, including some vigorous intensity activity.
• On at least three days per week, children should engage in activities that strengthen muscle and bone.
• To achieve additional health benefits, children should engage in more activity – up to several hours per day.

Sedentary Behaviour

• To reduce health risks, children aged 5-12 years should minimise the time they spend being sedentary every day. To achieve this:
  • Limit use of electronic media for entertainment (e.g. television, seated electronic games and computer use) to no more than two hours a day – lower levels are associated with reduced health risks.
  • Break up long periods of sitting as often as possible.

Source
Australian Government, Department of Health

To read more on the Physical Activity Guidelines and other interesting articles,
go to Physical Activity