The Sport England Active Lives Children and Young People Survey report has been published (Thursday 9 December), covering the academic year 2020-21. The report evidences the benefits of physical activity on mental health and loneliness. However, it also highlights that existing inequalities have widened, and new issues have arisen with boys losing active habits.

We have also produced a summary of the local results of the survey, which shows that while there are some promising signs of recovery from the pandemic, there is still a need for more work to support young people.

Clare Morley, Chief Executive Officer, Rise:

“I have mixed feelings when I read the latest results of the Active Lives Children and Young People Survey 2020/21.

It is encouraging and inspiring to see that the North East as a whole is above the national average for ‘Active’ children and young people. This is testament to the hard work of all our partners who value the benefits of physical activity, and of course the teachers, parents and carers who have put an enormous effort into keeping our young people motivated and active, particularly during the coronavirus restrictions.

However, the results are also a stark reminder of the worrying decline in young people’s mental health, confidence and feelings of loneliness, with more than one in 10 young people reporting feeling lonely either often or always. This is exacerbated by the widening gap of existing inequalities, with children from the least affluent families remaining the least active. Viewed alongside The Children of the North Report that was also released this week, and which highlights the broad range of inequalities that children in our region have suffered during the pandemic, these results reinforce the absolute necessity to support the children and young people who need it the most in our region.  

But there are positive signs too, with the results reporting that active children are happier and have a more positive attitude towards their own abilities and their communities.

That is why we are looking forward to the New Year, continuing to work with our partners to overcome the negative effects of the pandemic by creating more opportunities for children and young people to incorporate physical activity into their everyday lives and ensuring these opportunities reach those who need them the most.”