Reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behaviour: The damage on young people during the COVID-19 pandemic

Health childhood development is fostered through movement behaviours, including sufficient physical activity (Moore et al. 2020). This article reviews some of the recently published global studies that have examined the impact of COVID-19 on children’s physical activity and sedentary behaviours, the majority of which have indicated that children’s physical activity behaviours have lessened significantly during these times, while their sedentary behaviours have risen significantly. The authors then go on to make some suggestions of ways in which to encourage and foster physical activity for both children and their families, for example by showing people different ways of staying active, and offering other opportunities for physical activity, as well as ensuring the feeling of staying safe and protected.