NCD Watch

Impact of Physical Activity on Growth, Cognition and Academic Performance in Children

22 July 2025 (Tue)

For children and adolescents, physical activity can enhance fitness, foster growth and body development. Compared to less active kids, studies show that active kids have better cardio-pulmonary fitness, stronger bones and muscles, healthier body fat composition, improved metabolic control, enhanced psychological well-being and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The World Health Organization(WHO) recommends that children and adolescents aged 5–17 years should do an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity per day, such as walking, cycling, sports activities and active play.

Schools serve as an excellent setting to provide children with the opportunity for daily physical activity, to teach the importance of regular sport participation for health, and to build skills that support an active lifestyle.

Since the 2011/12 school year, the Department of Health (DH) launched the StartSmart@school.hk Campaign with an aim to create conducive environments for physical activity and healthy eating for young children in the school and at home.

The DH also launched the Whole School Health Programme in the 2023/24 school year with reference to the Health Promoting School Framework advocated by the WHO. Under the Whole School Health Programme, the DH assists participating schools to systematically review and formulate school-based measures to promote physical activity, healthy eating, mental health and social well-being, thereby gradually becoming ‘health promoting schools’ that are beneficial to living, learning and working.

Source: NCD Watch July 2025