'More exercising' on way to school

The number of children walking or cycling to school has risen considerably since 2004, according to a major new survey that shows many pupils are still not gettting enough exercise.

According to the research, 31 per cent of primary school students and 40 per cent of post-primary students now walk or cycle to school, up by 5 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.

A total of 5,397 pupils from 53 primary and 70 post-primary schools participated in the Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity study, which was funded by the Irish Sports Council and jointly undertaken by Dublin City University, University of Limerick and University of Cork.

It shows although the overall number of children participating in sports is high, most are not getting the minimum recommended amount of Physical Education (PE) while at school.

Only 35 per cent of primary pupils and 10 per cent of post-primary pupils receive the recommended minutes of per week, according to the study. On average, primary pupils receive 46 minutes of physical education weekly at school compared to the recommended 60 minutes. Post-primary pupils receive 77 minutes as against the recommended 2 hours.

Since 2004, the time scheduled for physical education has increased by an average of five minutes per week in post-primary schools and most students receive double class periods.

Overall, the research found high levels of participation in physical activity, with 74 per cent of primary and 73 per cent of post-primary pupils participating in sport at least two days per week.

However, the study also reveals girls are less likely than boys to meet nationally recommended physical activity guidelines and that participation rates fall as children get older. The study also shows that one in four children are unfit, overweight or obese and have high blood pressure.

Participation at least once a week in extra-curricular sports at school has increased by 2 per cent to 83 per cent for primary-school pupils but has declined by 6 per cent to 64 per cent for post-primary students since 2004.

Approximately 19 per cent of primary and 12 per cent of post-primary pupils meet the national physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity, unchanged since 2004.

Meanwhile, 63 per cent of primary and 73 per cent of post-primary school pupils partake in sports activity away from school at least one day a week.

Announcing the publication of the report at the opening of the 6th All-Island Sports Conference in Dublin today, Minister for Sport Mary Hanafin said the research shows encouraging results for children's participation in sport.

"We are seeing the benefit of the work on the ground of development officers with teachers, coaches and volunteers in supporting increased participation in sports such as gaelic games, soccer and rugby," she said.

"The research also shows there remains a clear challenge to keep young people, especially girls, engaged in active sports through their teens. The key message is to use every opportunity to get and keep children and young people active through a combination of participation in school and extra school activities, through involvement in local clubs and in quality active leisure time with their family and friends,” Ms Hanafin added.