According to the Telegraph, children are entering a “tragic decline” from the age of just seven.

Nowadays children seem to play less outdoor games with their friends, neighbours or families as they seem to favour spending their time with technology, which does not require any form of physical exercise. 

A study carried out by fitness experts have revealed that there has been a sharp drop in activity levels between the ages of seven and nine, with a decline continuing into adolescence. Jack Shakespeare, Head of UKActive Kids, said: “Physical inactivity is society’s silent killer and the biggest tragedy is that it’s creeping up on our children before they’ve even left the playground.” He further stated that a wider “cultural shift” is needed to protect an inactive generation from a lifetime of health problems and that even extra funding for school sport wouldn’t be enough to create a big enough impact.

How much exercise should children be doing?

  • at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day - this should range from moderate activity, such as cycling and playground activities, to vigorous activity, such as running and tennis
  • on three days a week, these activities should involve exercises for strong muscles, such as gymnastics, and exercises for strong bones, such as jumping and running.

Source: NHS Choices

Metin Genckurt, a local who lives in Mitcham said that: “I hardly see children playing out anymore. Even at my local sports club [Tooting and Mitcham community Sports Club], where I coach children tennis during the summer, the juniors team is becoming smaller and smaller. It is a great shame.”

So parents in Merton make sure your kids get out in the sunshine and run around with their friends this Bank Holiday weekend!

Sabrina Court, Ursuline Sixth Form