Get kids moving

Irish children need to get more active

Ireland scored poorly on an international report card measuring physical activities in children. Photograph: Thinkstock
Ireland scored poorly on an international report card measuring physical activities in children. Photograph: Thinkstock

Last year Ireland got a D minus on its report card on physical activity levels in children and youth, which collates data relating to kids’ activity levels in different countries. We got the same grade in physical education.

The bottom line is kids need to move more and exercise for children does not have to be a chore. In New Zealand, which scored highest in its report card, kids play actively at home.

Active play such as dancing, swimming, skateboarding, roller-blading, frisbee, karate, playing tag, jumping rope, walking and cycling can make getting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day more fun.

Check out Ireland's full report card here.