2024 ParticipACTION Childhood Report Card Highlights
To read the full report, visit ParticipACTION's website here.
The 2024 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth provides a comprehensive overview of physical activity among Canadian children. This year's report underscores the importance of physical activity for youth and highlights critical areas for improvement.
Key insights
Overall physical activity
Grade: D+
Only 39% of Canadian children and youth meet the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day.
Active play
Grade: D-
Just 22% of children engage in more than two hours of indoor and outdoor unstructured play daily.
Physical education
Grade: D
Many schools still struggle to provide adequate physical education, impacting students' overall activity levels.
What is the Report Card?
The 2024 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth stands as the most thorough evaluation of child and youth physical activity in Canada. By integrating data from various sources, including top-tier peer-reviewed research, it assigns evidence-based grades across 14 different indicators. This report card model has been adopted by over 70 cities, provinces, states, and countries, serving as a vital framework for gathering and disseminating information about the physical activity levels of young people globally.
Addressing the challenges
The report highlights several key challenges, including the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity levels, particularly among girls and children from low-income households. It emphasizes the need for inclusive and equitable strategies to improve physical activity levels across all demographics.
BTS: Bridging the gap
At Beat the Streets (BTS), we address these critical issues through our wrestling, combat sports and social-emotional learning programs. Our initiatives, such as Level Up, You Grow Girl, and Wrestle 4 Fun, enhance physical literacy, promote active lifestyles, and build resilience among youth.
How BTS programs align with the report's findings:
Improving physical literacy and activity levels: BTS programs provide structured physical activity sessions, led by professional athletes, to improve fundamental movement skills and overall physical fitness. This directly addresses the low physical activity grades highlighted in the report.
Promoting resilience and mental well-being: Through social-emotional learning activities integrated into our programs, we help youth develop essential life skills such as goal-setting, stress management, and decision-making, which are crucial for mental well-being, especially post-pandemic.
Increasing accessibility: Our programs are free of charge in partnership with the Toronto District School Board, specifically targeting underserved youth in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs). This removes financial and transportation barriers, ensuring all students can access physical education and activity.
Impact and outcomes:
Increased participation: Programs like Level Up and You Grow Girl have significantly improved student engagement in physical activities. For instance, Harbord Collegiate's wrestling team grew from 2 to 40 participants due to Level Up.
Enhanced confidence and skills: Participants consistently report improved confidence, discipline, and understanding of the importance of physical activity. Self-assessment evaluations and educator feedback highlight the positive impact on physical and mental health.
Building a supportive environment: BTS programs foster a sense of community and belonging, contributing to a positive school environment and encouraging ongoing participation in sports.
Improving physical activity among Canadian children and youth requires a collaborative effort from parents, schools, communities, and organizations like BTS. We can enhance our youth's physical and mental well-being by addressing the barriers and promoting active lifestyles.
Read the full report on ParticipACTION's website here for more detailed insights.
About ParticipACTION
ParticipACTION is a national non-profit organization that helps Canadians sit less and move more. Originally established in 1971, ParticipACTION works with its partners, which include sports, physical activity and recreation organizations as well as governments and corporate sponsors, to make physical activity a vital part of everyday life.
About Beat the Streets:
At Beat the Streets, our mission is to advance the education of low-income children and youth in the Greater Toronto Area through fun and unique sports, life skills, and employment-based development programs. Since 2015, we have served over 28,000 young individuals through our Wrestle 4 Fun, Level Up, You Grow Girl, Work It (Summer Jobs), and Volunteer programs, providing them opportunities to develop their physical, mental, and social well-being. We believe in empowering the next generation by breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success.
Join us in our mission to impact youth:
Join us in making a difference by supporting our cause and learning more about how you can contribute to the education and growth of children and youth in need. Together, we can shape a brighter future for all.
