Why regular movement is essential for children’s health and wellbeing

Children around the world are becoming less physically active, raising concerns among scientists about the long-term impact on their health. Experts warn that declining activity levels, combined with increasing obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, stress, unhealthy diets, and reduced participation in sports, could affect both physical and mental wellbeing for years to come.

At the same time, researchers say there are practical ways to encourage children to move more — and these efforts may bring lasting benefits for their bodies and brains.

Health guidelines recommend that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, yet many fail to meet that target. Studies show that inactivity during childhood often continues into adulthood, while active children are more likely to remain physically active later in life.

Long-term research supports these findings. One study tracking more than 700 World War II veterans over 50 years found that participating in sports during high school strongly predicted better health in old age, higher activity levels later in life, and fewer doctor visits.

Other studies have linked childhood exercise to lower body mass index, smaller waist circumference, improved mental health, stronger academic performance, and better cognitive abilities.

Cognitive benefits of exercise

Scientists say physical activity improves not only children’s physical condition but also brain function. Nicole Logan, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Rhode Island, explained that exercise supports cognitive development throughout adolescence.

According to researchers, better cardiovascular fitness is associated with improved brain health, including faster reaction times, better concentration, and stronger self-control.

In one nine-month after-school exercise program involving children with obesity, participants who engaged in moderate to vigorous activities five days a week demonstrated improved cognitive performance compared to children who did not take part.

Researchers believe reduced body fat may partly explain these improvements, since excess fat around internal organs can trigger inflammation that negatively affects brain function.

Logan argues that schools should aim to provide children with 60 minutes of movement every day, reducing the pressure on families to organize expensive or time-consuming sports activities outside school.

Reducing sedentary behavior

Experts emphasize that increasing movement does not necessarily require organized sports. In one study conducted in Massachusetts, schools increased opportunities for movement before, during, and after classes while also improving access to healthy food. As a result, elementary school students showed lower BMI levels, even though many had not previously participated in sports.

Ulla Toft, a professor at the University of Copenhagen, says preventing childhood obesity requires a broader approach that includes healthier diets, more physical activity, reduced screen time, and proper sleep.

School-based interventions have also produced encouraging results. A recent UK study found that reducing the amount of time children spend sitting led to improvements in health indicators and greater participation in sports.

Teachers involved in the program encouraged students to stand while answering questions and move around the classroom more often. Researchers stressed that the goal was not intense exercise but simply reducing prolonged sitting during the school day.

The role of parents and confidence

Scientists say support from parents can significantly increase children’s participation in physical activity, especially among adolescent girls. Studies show that children are more likely to remain active when parents encourage them, help them access sports opportunities, and exercise together with them.

Simple activities such as cycling, jogging, or active play in the park may help build lifelong habits.

Researchers also stress the importance of children feeling confident and comfortable while being physically active. Michaela James from Swansea University found that when children feel capable and included during movement, their wellbeing improves.

She noted that highly structured sports programs can sometimes discourage children who feel less athletic or excluded. Giving children more freedom to choose activities and encouraging unstructured play may therefore be especially beneficial.

Experts also recommend preserving recess and creating playgrounds that inspire free movement and imagination through the use of simple objects such as tires, wooden pallets, or climbing structures.

Ultimately, researchers emphasize that every form of movement matters — whether children are climbing trees, running around a playground, riding bicycles, or playing games with friends.

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