Results from the Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) 2025 report card on physical activity for children and youth

This study presents the third iteration of the Taiwan Report Card, evaluating 10 core indicators from the Global Matrix framework and one additional indicator. The objective is to provide a longitudinal assessment of national physical activity trends and to examine the relationship between institutional support and actual behavioral outcomes.

A comprehensive synthesis of national survey data and government statistics published between 2022 and 2025 was conducted to assign grades for individuals aged 6-18 years. Data sources included the Health Surveillance of Teenagers, Census of Physical Education, Student Participation in Sports Survey, and Sports Statistics. Grading was based on standardized benchmarks established by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance.

The 2025 grades for the indicators are Overall Physical Activity (F), Organized Sport (C-), Active Play (INC), Active Transportation (INC), Sedentary Behavior (D-), Physical Fitness (INC), Family and Peers (INC), School (A+), Community and the Built Environment (B+), Government Strategies and Investments (A-), and Body Mass Index (B-). These findings reveal that while Taiwan maintains exemplary levels of institutional and environmental support, actual physical activity levels among youth remain critically low.

A persistent disconnect exists between strong government and school-level support and the behavioral reality of Taiwanese youth. Despite strong infrastructure and policy frameworks, intensive academic schedules and sedentary study habits continue to serve as significant barriers. Future interventions must address these cultural and structural constraints to effectively translate robust institutional support into active lifestyles for the next generation.