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A groundbreaking study led by the University of Wollongong (UOW) reveals that only 14% of children aged three to four years old are meeting global health guidelines for physical activity, sleep, and screen time. The research, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Simone Tomaz from the University of Stirling, examined the health and activity levels of 7,017 children across 33 countries, highlighting a concerning global trend of sedentary lifestyles among young children.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for children under five recommend at least 180 minutes of physical activity daily, including 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity, less than one hour of screen time, and 10 to 13 hours of quality sleep. However, the study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that most children are falling short of these standards.
Concerning Global Trends
Dr. Kar Hau (John) Chong, the lead author and Associate Research Fellow at UOW, emphasized the critical importance of early childhood for developing lifelong healthy habits. “Staying active, getting enough sleep, and reducing screen time are crucial for a child’s physical, mental, and social development,” said Dr. Chong. “Yet, the majority of children are not meeting these guidelines, which raises serious public health concerns for future generations.”
The study revealed stark disparities in how children’s movement behaviors varied across regions and income levels. Surprisingly, children in low- and lower-middle-income countries were slightly more likely to meet the guidelines (16.6%) compared to those in high-income countries (14.4%). Africa had the highest percentage of children meeting the guidelines (23.9%), while the Americas lagged behind at just 7.7%.
The Need for a Holistic Approach
Dr. Simone Tomaz, a co-researcher on the project, stressed that creating environments that foster healthy habits is crucial, regardless of geographical location. “Children thrive when they have opportunities for physical activity and good sleep, whether they are in Scotland or South Africa,” said Dr. Tomaz. “Understanding these behaviors globally puts us in a better position to address the shortfalls.”
Both Dr. Chong and Dr. Tomaz agree that solving these global issues requires a holistic approach. Policies and programs aimed at encouraging physical activity and healthy sleep need to be contextually tailored to different sociocultural environments. “Parents, educators, policymakers, and communities must work together to create supportive environments that help children meet these health guidelines,” Dr. Chong noted.
A Call to Action for Policymakers
The research highlights the importance of addressing these challenges through informed policy and community action. “It’s not just about movement; it’s about building a future where children can grow up healthy,” emphasized Dr. Chong. “By understanding the cultural and economic factors influencing these behaviors, we can design better programs to encourage healthier lifestyles.”
This comprehensive study serves as a wake-up call for global health authorities to invest in strategies that improve the physical and mental well-being of the next generation. With the support of international collaborations like the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance, researchers hope to reverse this troubling trend and ensure a healthier future for children worldwide.
The study, “Pooled Analysis of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep Among Children From 33 Countries,” was authored by more than 40 researchers from institutions worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for global cooperation to address this growing public health concern.
More Information: Kar Hau Chong et al, Pooled Analysis of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep Among Children From 33 Countries, JAMA Pediatrics (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.3330.
