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Physical Activity, Sport and Physical Education in Northern Ireland School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Sinead Connolly1, Angela Carlin1, Anne Johnston1
1Centre for Exercise Medicine, Physical Activity and Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, BT37 0QB Newtownabbey, Ireland.
Insights
Physical activity (PA) levels are alarmingly low among children in Northern Ireland (NI), with most not meeting recommended guidelines. This study highlights disparities by gender and socioeconomic status, urging policy changes for better child health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Health
- Sports Science
Background:
- Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a global health issue.
- Northern Ireland (NI) school children exhibit the lowest PA levels in the UK.
- Limited validated data exists on NI school children's PA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide surveillance data on self-reported PA, sport, and physical education (PE) participation in NI school children.
- To examine gender-based differences and factors associated with PA.
- To inform policy for improving children's PA levels.
Main Methods:
- A representative sample of primary (n=446) and post-primary (n=1508) school children in NI participated.
- Validated self-report measures were used for data collection within schools.
- Analysis focused on PA levels, sport/PE participation, and associated factors.
Main Results:
- A minority of children (13%) met PA guidelines (primary 20%, post-primary 11%).
- NI children reported lower PA, PE, and sports participation compared to UK/European peers.
- Age-related decline in PA was observed, with females and lower socioeconomic groups showing less participation.
Conclusions:
- NI school children have critically low PA levels, below national and European benchmarks.
- Females, children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and older children are particularly at risk.
- Policy interventions, including mandatory PE time and targeted support, are recommended to increase PA.
Abstract:
Internationally, insufficient physical activity (PA) is a major health concern. Children in Northern Ireland (NI) are recorded as having the lowest levels of PA in the United Kingdom (UK). To date, validated and representative data on the PA levels of NI school children are limited. The aim of this study was to provide surveillance data on self-reported PA, sport and physical education (PE) participation of school children in NI. Differences between genders and factors associated with PA were also examined. A representative sample of primary (n = 446) and post-primary (n = 1508) children was surveyed in school using validated self-report measures. Findings suggest that PA levels are low, with a minority of children (13%) meeting the PA guidelines (primary pupils 20%, post-primary pupils 11%). NI school children have lower levels of PA, PE and sports participation than UK and European peers. A trend of age-related decline across all the domains of PA was apparent. The data presented highlighted that females are less likely to achieve PA guidelines, children from lower socio-economic background participate in school and community sport less often, and that enjoyment and social support are important variables in PA adherence. Policy solutions that would support implementation e.g., mandatory minimum PE time, whole school approaches to PA promotion and targeted investment in schools, particularly in areas of deprivation and for females, are suggested.
