5TH December 2024 – London, UK: Sport England’s latest Active Lives Children and Young People Survey was released this morning, painting a picture of youth physical activity levels across the country, with specific insights for London.
Key Findings from the Survey
- Today’s report shows that children and young people’s activity levels are stable, and attitudes towards sport and physical activity remain largely unchanged over the last two years.
- 47% of children and young people in London are meeting the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. However, this means that over half of the city’s young people are still not achieving these guidelines, underscoring the urgent need for action.
- There was a 9% decrease in ‘less active’ children compared to last year, signalling progress in engaging those least active.
- Long-standing inequalities persist, with girls, children from less affluent families, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds being less likely to be active. Children exhibiting multiple characteristics of inequality face even greater challenges in achieving recommended activity levels.
Several London boroughs have outperformed both London (47.3%) and national (47.8%) rates for active children and young people. Richmond upon Thames scored 62.1% (highest in England), Bromley: 56.1% (18th highest in England) and Islington: 54.8% (23rd highest in England). Other notable boroughs include Southwark (53.9%), Wandsworth (53.3%), Brent and Kingston upon Thames (both 51.6%), and Camden (51.1%).
Boroughs reporting higher rates of inactivity compared to London (29.6%) and national (29.7%) figures included Bexley at 39.2% (12th highest in England), Waltham Forest: 38.0% (16th highest in England) and Sutton: 35.9% (23rd highest in England). Other concerning boroughs include Enfield (34.3%), Hillingdon (34.0%), and Newham (31.3%).
The report also outlines the types of activity being undertaken by children and young people, and how this varies by age group. Active travel (83% having taken part at least once in the last week) and active play and informal activity (81%) are most common for children in school Years 1-2 (ages 5-7), while team sports become more common as children get older (with 57% of children in Years 7-11, aged 11-16, taking part in a team sport at least once in the last week, compared to 40% in Years 1-2).
Tim Copley, Director of Physical Activity & Sport Development, at London Sport said:
“The latest Active Lives Survey highlights both the challenges and opportunities we face in supporting children and young people to lead more active lives. While it’s encouraging to see activity levels remain stable and some progress in reducing inactivity, the data shows persistent inequalities that prevent many young Londoners from reaping the benefits of physical activity.
The findings reinforce the urgency of London Sport’s mission: to help inactive Londoners in deprived communities to move more. Significant and sustained action is needed to ensure that every young person in London can enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of an active lifestyle. Together, we can build a healthier, happier and more active city for the next generation”.
London Sport’s recently published strategy, Lets Move London, shows how we plan to address inequalities and remove barriers to physical activity.
Through our work, London Sport is committed to creating a capital where every Londoner has the opportunity to lead an active life.
For more information on London Sport, visit www.londonsport.org.
Media Contacts
Lucy Bishop : [email protected]
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