80 percent of children in Germany move too little. This is the result of a recent long-term study. Surprisingly, a difference was found between girls and boys.

Physical inactivity in children

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends one hour of exercise a day. However, the long-term movement study “Motorik Modul” came to the conclusion that 80 percent of the children move too little.

Various scientists have been analyzing the physical activity habits of children and young people aged four to 17 in Germany for twelve years. The motor skills data of around 6000 participants are evaluated every three years. The results: The children move less and less and with increasing age, the movement decreases further.

Girls fare significantly worse than boys. The curious thing about it: About 80 percent of the children who took part in the study are already registered in a sports studio, and school sports are also being promoted more and more these days. Actually, the children’s physical activity should have increased by 25 minutes per week. But unfortunately, the opposite is the case.

Where is the problem?

One might think that the problem is obvious and that media use is once again to blame for everything. But the study claims the opposite: exercise and media use are not directly related. It used to be normal for children to play outside; Unfortunately, this is much less the case these days. It a not an unimportant reason.

Another reason could be that children and young people are increasingly being driven to school or leisure activities by car.

At the “Moving Children” congress, experts now want to discuss what measures need to be taken to ensure more exercise among children. Lack of exercise and poor nutrition can have serious long-term consequences. Here are tips on how to motivate children to exercise more.