Experts point to major benefits of sports in children's lives

 Experts point to major benefits of sports in children's lives

Benefits of sport for children

Many of the advantages of participating in sports for youngsters include:

Low risk of obesity
Increase heart fitness
Healthy development of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Better balance and balance
Great ability to relax physically and, therefore, avoid complications of chronic muscle tension (such as headaches or back pain)     

     Better sleep
     Mental health benefits, such as greater confidence.
     Better social skills
     Improved personal skills, including collaboration and leadership.

Reducing inactivity may be more effective in achieving an overall increase in energy levels in young children rather than emphasizing increased involvement in sports activities. Steps must be taken to reduce children's sitting time.

Sedentary pursuits and children

 About 40% of children in Australia do not participate in sports. Common sedentary activities that combat physical activity include:

    Housework
    Computer games
    Internet use
    Television

The Australian Government recommends that:

    Children and adolescents should participate in moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes (and several hours) daily.
    Children and young people should use electronic media for entertainment (such as computer games, internet, TV), especially during the day.

These recommendations are a guide to the minimum physical activity required for good health.

During the 12 months prior to April 2012 in Australia, 1.7 million or 60% of children aged 5 to 14 participated in at least one sport outside of school hours, according to the Bureau of Statistics. Was held by Or association

The participation of boys (949,000) exceeded that of girls (727,000), both overall and in all age groups. Children aged 9 to 11 were more likely to participate in sports (66%).

Between 2011 and 2012, the three most popular sports for boys were soccer (22% of the total), swimming and Australian football rules. For girls, swimming / diving (19% of the total) and netball were predominant.

Encourage your child to be physically active

 Parents can help their children stay physically active in many ways, including:

     Lead for example - keep yourself physically active.
     Make sure some family outings offer opportunities for physical activity, such as playing sports together.
     Encourage your child to ride or ride their bike for short trips instead of riding on them.
     Support your child's efforts in the game. Make sure you are present at every match, making them happy with the opportunity.
     Set time limits for sitting activities such as computer games and television.
     Consult your child's school on ways to encourage maximum participation in sports and physical activity.

 Sport safety issues

 Many sports injuries can be avoided by children. Suggestions include:

     Always wear appropriate protective clothing.
     Mouth guards should be worn for all contact sports. See your dentist for professional fitting.
     Wear knee, elbow and wrist guards for all sports that are prone to falls, such as online skating or skateboarding.
     Wear shin pads for sports such as hockey, softball and cricket where injuries to the front of the lower leg are relatively common.
     Helmets can reduce the risk of eye and facial injuries.
     Heat well and cool.
     Cross train with other sports to ensure overall fitness and strength.
     Use good shape and technique.
     Allow adequate recovery time between sessions.

Where to get help

 Your child's school.
      Sporting clubs and associations.
      Your doctor, physiotherapist (with a special interest in pediatrics) or other qualified professionals.