Fitness starts at home, experts say
The Department of Health has launched a new report highlighting the damage caused by inactivity.
Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer, revealed that up to 70 per cent of adults in England do not do the recommended minimum amount of daily physical activity and child fitness is falling by up to nine per cent every decade.
Amy Schofield, editor of education and parenting website www.mychild.co.uk, said: "It's down to parents and carers to make sure that their children stay fit, healthy and active, not the government.
"We all need to take responsibility for educating our children and the best way is to lead by example."
She added that modern fears surrounding child safety means kids are following more sedentary lifestyles in front of computer and TV screens rather than playing outside.
Family walks and team sports can help improve fitness as well as strengthen bonds between parents and siblings.
A poll commissioned by the Department for Children, Schools and Families found that 21 per cent of five to 19 year-olds take part in three hours or more of organised sport a week.
Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer, revealed that up to 70 per cent of adults in England do not do the recommended minimum amount of daily physical activity and child fitness is falling by up to nine per cent every decade.
Amy Schofield, editor of education and parenting website www.mychild.co.uk, said: "It's down to parents and carers to make sure that their children stay fit, healthy and active, not the government.
"We all need to take responsibility for educating our children and the best way is to lead by example."
She added that modern fears surrounding child safety means kids are following more sedentary lifestyles in front of computer and TV screens rather than playing outside.
Family walks and team sports can help improve fitness as well as strengthen bonds between parents and siblings.
A poll commissioned by the Department for Children, Schools and Families found that 21 per cent of five to 19 year-olds take part in three hours or more of organised sport a week.