What Can We Learn from the 2022 Australian Physical Activity Report Card?

The 2022 Australian Physical Activity Report Card is a comprehensive research review of physical activity trends in Australia. It contains data, statistics, and insights on physical activity participation rates among Australians of all ages, genders and socioeconomic backgrounds. Here is what the report card has to say about the current state of physical activity in Australia and what parents can do to encourage their children to get active. 

The report found that overall physical activity levels among Australians have been declining since 2005. This decline was particularly noticeable in adolescents aged 12-17 years old, with over half (55%) not meeting the recommended amount of daily exercise (60 minutes per day). Further analysis revealed that this decline was most pronounced amongst boys and young people living in lower income households. The reports also identified key factors which influence whether young people take part in physical activity. These included access to safe places for exercise, parental encouragement, enjoyment of sport/exercise and access to quality sports programs. The report concluded that interventions should focus on targeting these underlying issues to improve participation rates in sport and exercise amongst adolescents.

It offered several suggestions for parents who want to encourage their children to get more active:
• Make sure your child has access to safe places for exercise near home or school;
• Encourage your child’s interest in different sports or activities;
• Be involved in their sports/activities - e.g., attend games/events together;
• Make it fun! Focus on enjoyment rather than competition;
• Provide support when needed - e.g., help them find clubs or teams;
• Provide quality sports programs for your child - e.g., enrolling them into a local club or team;
• Ensure your child has appropriate equipment for their activities.
• Reward effort rather than results - e.g., praise effort even if they don't win; • Support other participants - e.g., applaud good performances by others as well as your own child's efforts;
• Provide feedback that is constructive, helpful and encouraging;
• Set realistic expectations - e.g., don't put too much pressure on them to perform well every time they participate in an activity/sport.

The Australian Physical Activity Report Card provides valuable insight into the state of physical activity amongst Australians today and offers practical advice for parents looking to support their children’s participation levels in sport and exercise activities going forward. By making sure our kids have access to safe places for exercise, providing support when needed and ensuring that our children are taking part in quality sports programs, we can make sure they get the most out of their sporting experiences while staying healthy and happy along the way!