Victorian kids are to have more opportunities to lace up their boots, hit the dance studio or slide down to a skatepark as part of a refreshed campaign from the Department of Education and Training (DET) to promote physical activity.
Launching its revamped Get Your Move On campaign, DET said there were many benefits to being active and “getting your move on”, but a lot of Victorian kids were not moving enough.
The Department said 15 minutes, four times a day was all it took.
“Participating in regular physical activity boosts physical and mental health and improves academic performance,” it said.
“Physical activity throughout the day improves concentration and our ability to retain information and solve problems.
“Sport and active recreation brings people together and can teach children and young people values such as respect, responsibility and commitment, as well as developing leadership, teamwork and self-confidence.”
DET said even during times of COVIDSafe settings, when families spent more time at home, it was still important to find ways to stay active, both indoors and outdoors.
Minister for Education, James Merlino said kids could get their dose of daily activity through the things they enjoyed, like walking their dog, riding to school or kicking a football with friends.
“We want all young Victorians to find something they enjoy doing to get active – just for 15 minutes, four times a day – which is what this initiative is all about,” Mr Merlino said.
“Just a small amount of extra physical activity is all it takes to boost the social, physical and mental health of young people – in turn boosting educational outcomes,” he said.
