Latest activity data for children and young people released

By GM Moving | 12 December 2024 | TAGS:

In Greater Manchester, the data shows; 

• An increase of activity over the past 12 months with 48.7% of children and young people now active (more than 60 minutes a day).  

• 7 of the 10 boroughs reported slightly higher than national average activity levels. 

• A decrease in inactivity (less than 20 minutes a day). 29.8% compared to 32% last year. 

These findings present some indication that we are moving in the right direction and highlight the opportunity we all have, to support a more active generation. 

Movement matters to all children and young people, but sadly, they do not all meet the Chief Medical Officers daily guidelines of 60 minutes of physical activity a day. This data reflects the complex relationship of everyday life and how they move. It is influenced by many factors; social, economic, and environmental. Rising living costs and ongoing economic uncertainty, places pressure on families, often limiting access to sports facilities and extracurricular activities.  Alongside this, digital technology continues to dominate leisure time, competing with opportunities for active play and movement. 

Inequalities in activity levels are stark, with children in more deprived areas facing barriers such as unsafe neighbourhoods, reduced green spaces, and underfunded schools.  These challenges are in addition to mental health pressures and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted habits of physical activity and widened existing gaps. 

Activity levels across Greater Manchester in comparison to national activity levels for academic year 2023-2024.

The data looks at the physical activity levels both in and out of school, further highlighting the need to work together across sectors to address some of the barriers in place. Here in Greater Manchester, partners across education, community, transport, planning, health, and other sectors are working to create the conditions for our children and young people to thrive. 

Most significantly the data highlights the need to tackle inequalities. It shows that that those with two or more characteristics of inequality are significantly less likely to be active than their peers with no characteristics of inequality. 

National levels of active CYP (more than 60 minutes a day) in relation to reported inequality characteristics. 

This is why, here in Greater Manchester, our efforts are targeted at those most in need. Our decisions are driven by data (Active Lives, #BeeWell and local process evaluations). Programmes such as Opening Schools Facilities (OSF) is designed to tackle inequalities by providing safe spaces for targeted groups to be physically active. Schools involved in these projects offer more opportunities for people to be active, particularly for young women and girls from diverse backgrounds, such as those from Southeast Asian communities. 

We are informing education reforms, shaping plans for a whole-system approach to prevention and creating the conditions where young people can live well in every community.  The Creating Active Schools framework looks to increase physical activity by taking a whole school approach. It includes upskilling staff and having a curriculum where more movement can be designed into the day. 

  Thanks to the devolved context of Greater Manchester, our Combined Authority and our Integrated Health and Care System have aligned and co-ordinated approaches to enable the conditions that will allow the young people of Greater Manchester to be an active generation. For example, physical activity is being integrated into mental health initiatives, supporting holistic development. Programme like the Children and Young People Social Prescribing Network and the HeadStart Programme link physical activity with mental health support.  

It is vital we capture the lived experiences of our youth, empowering young people to co-design physical activity initiatives. The GM Youth Combined Authority and campaigns like "Feel Good Your Way" amplify youth voice and ensure we empower communities.    

Whilst physical activity levels remain stable, less than half of children and young people are active enough. There are several factors at play and there is not one simple solution. Creating an environment that supports active lives for all children and young people requires us all to work together. By addressing the systemic drivers of inactivity and using the insights from data, we can build a healthier, more active future for our young people.  

Let us work together to make Greater Manchester a place where every child and young person can thrive. 

You can view the full report by Sport England on their website.