Parents urged to take their blinkers off and fight childhood obesity

Following the recent ‘Couch Kids’ survey from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) which says that parents overestimate the amount of exercise their children actually do, the Play Providers Association (PPA) is urging parents to utilise indoor play centres to ensure their children achieve the Government’s recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day and develop key skills learnt through play.

“Too many parents misjudge the amount of exercise their children do and underestimate the value of indoor play as a way of achieving the recommended amount of physical activity and developing their children’s key skills,” says Janice Dunphy, Chair of the PPA.

“The PPA network of indoor play centres offers fantastic opportunities for children to gain their 60 minutes of daily exercise and it’s even possible for parents to get involved. Dubbed as exercise in disguise, activities range from the physical stimulation of a play frame incorporating slides, ball pool pits, rope ladders, climbing nets and the like, to the more mentally stimulating activities such as educational play equipment and interactive games. They also offer alternative opportunities for children to use their imagination in a warm, safe and fun environment.”

71% of nearly 1,000 parents polled thought their children were "active enough" but only 10% of their children said they do the recommended amount. The survey showed that whilst the number of obese children has risen since the mid-1990s, there have been no major changes in children's physical activity levels over the past decade.

Dr Ian Campbell, of the National Obesity Forum, says: "Parents, carers and children should try and find ways of being active together, at home, at school and at play. In addition to parents being more involved we need to ensure local councils are aware of the need to provide greater opportunity for all children to be more active, with better, more affordable sports facilities and safer, cleaner, well-lit streets."

"Eat Well, More More, Live Longer"

The PPA is already helping the Government get children more active through Play4Life, part of its Change4Life campaign, which is educating the nation, and especially children, about the benefits of Eating Well, Moving More and Living Longer.

Parents who want to find a high quality indoor play centre near them should visit the PPA website at www.playproviders.org.uk. PPA members conform to a Code of Practice which means their play centres offer a safe and secure environment for children along with the opportunity for parents to learn through play with their children.

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