Fear factor in child fitness

Children are getting less exercise because their parents are fearful of sending them outside to play, the Canterbury Primary Principals' Association says.

Association president Sue Ashworth said parents used to feel more comfortable letting their children play at local parks.

"Nowadays we are very wary of letting kids go down and play at the park on their own."

Act police spokeswoman Muriel Newman has criticised a Government plan to increase the physical activity of children, saying it does not address why they spend more time indoors.

"Parents fear that their children are no longer safe on the way to and from school or at the local park," Dr Newman said.

A joint initiative agreed to this week by the Education Ministry and Sport and Recreation New Zealand failed to recognise this underlying reason, Dr Newman said.

The ministry and Sport and Recreation have signed a joint protocol aimed at encouraging schoolchildren to be more active.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard said the agreement aimed to ensure a coherent approach to getting children off the couch and into physical activity.

Mrs Ashworth said most schools had well-developed fitness plans for pupils, but it was important that children exercised outside school.

Many children came home to empty houses and it was easier to have them watch television or play video games.

"Kids are definitely getting fatter and less fit," Mrs Ashworth said.

- NZPA

Herald feature: Health