In Wales, 3% more children are physically active now than were two years ago. The figures were part of the Sports Council for Wales Children's Participation Survey, which also found that parents have a powerful influence over their children’s activity levels.

"Around 54% of the children who reported that both of their parents played sport met the 5x60 target [60 minutes of physical activity, 5 days a week] compared with just 39% of children who recorded that neither of their parents played sport."

The increased popularity of things like video games, the Internet and television, which are mainly sedentary activities, coupled with parents who say they're too busy for anything but fast food means fewer and fewer kids are getting the exercise they need. Getting kids involved in sports at an early age not only helps combat obesity, but builds their self-esteem and helps them handle stress.

Read more at ICWales.ICNetwork.co.uk.

Labels: exercise, influences, parents