ABS Stats: Swimming, Dance, Soccer Tackling Child Obesity

There is some good news from the Australian Bureau of Statistics about how our kids are playing more organised sport than at any time in the past decade.

The figures show the percentage of children aged 5-14 years involved in organised sport or dance is up from 64% in 2000 to 69% last year

AND

the average number of hours kids spent in front of TV fell from 22 hours a week in 2000 to 17 hours last year.

Boys And Girls

The increase has been greatest for 12-14 year old boys. 75% are currently active in sport and/or dancing compared with 69% in 2000.

Girls’ interest in sport and/or dancing grew from 61% to 67%, faster over the decade than boys, who increased their interest from 67% to 70%.

Most Popular Activities

Swimming remains the most popular activity, dance is second and soccer is third. The report says:

“Contributing to the popularity of outdoor soccer was the increase in participation by girls aged 5-8 years (2%-5%) and 12-14 years (4%-8%)”.

Swimming participation grew from 14-19% with parents wanting to ensure their kids are safe around water. One Primary School Principal said there had been a boom in organised sport in recent years:

“I think the general message of the potential dangers of childhood obesity has hit home in the community, and as children get older that potential danger shifts from obesity to drugs..

This has parents keener to keep their kids in organised sport for longer and that means more commitment from them in terms of travel and putting their hand up for coaching and managing.”

Bike Riding

The study found that bike riding fell from 64% to 60%, probably driven by fears over traffic safety.

Good to see – I remember that taxi service.