Girls’ wellbeing initiative making an impact in Northland
11 May 2023

A physical and mental wellbeing pilot programme for tamawāhine in the Far North, developed alongside the tamariki involved, has proved so successful
Physical activity can help people live longer, healthier lives. The New Zealand Physical Activity Guidelines outline the minimum levels of physical activity required to gain health benefits and ways to incorporate incidental physical activity into everyday life.
The Ministries of Health and Education together with Sport New Zealand have released new Physical Activity Guidelines for children and young people (five to 17 years). The new guidelines include recommendations for sleep.
Up to one in four New Zealand children aged five-13 years, and one in five teenagers (14-17 years) may not be getting enough sleep (NZ Health Survey 2013/14).
Children who do not get enough sleep can be hyperactive, impulsive and have a short attention span. They are more likely to struggle with verbal creativity and problem solving, and generally score lower on IQ tests. A short sleep duration could produce adverse hormonal changes like those potentially associated with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
A Canadian study found that children aged 10-12 years who slept the least on school nights were significantly less active and more sedentary than those who slept most. Additionally, children with higher physical activity levels are less likely to be sleepy during the daytime.
Break up sitting time and, through flexible learning environments, provide opportunities for children to stand while working/learning.
Encourage staff to be active and act as role models for students.
This should include:
More information is available on the Ministry of Health website(external link)
The updated guidelines and statements above are in line with the Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth, which were released in 2016 and are based on their systematic evidence reviews. The Canadian guidelines and the full background report they are based on is available online(external link)
New physical activity guidelines for 0-5 year-olds will be released later this month.
BY Education Gazette editors
Education Gazette | Tukutuku Kōrero, reporter@edgazette.govt.nz
Posted: 9:39 pm, 29 May 2017
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