Children and youth
The Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines suggest that children between the ages of 5 and 17 should aim to accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activities daily on average.[1] Using this estimate, approximately 49% of children (ages 5 to 11) and 36% of youth (12 to 17 years) meet the guidelines.[2] When considering self-report data, 45% children and youth between the ages of 12 and 17 achieve recommended levels of physical activity.[3]
- [1] Canadian Sport Exercise Physiology. 24-hr Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth
- [2] Custom Analysis, Statistics Canada, CHMS Cycle 6
- [3] Statistics Canada. Canadian Community Health Survey. Table 13-10-0096-01 Health characteristics, annual estimates.2023. Available here.
Physical activity levels, youth (aged 12 to 17), Canadian Community Health survey, 2021[3]
Facts and Figures
Among 12 to 17 year olds, a greater percentage of boys achieve guidelines than girls.[3]
