The Active Lives Children and Young People Survey results for the 2021-22 academic year (September 2021-July 2022) has been published by Sport England. The data collected reflects a positive recovery of activity levels to pre-pandemic levels nationally, though in Bradford there has been no change from the previous year.

Key headlines

• Activity levels have remained at the same level since last year, in Bradford

• Nationally, we continue to see a positive association between activity levels and mental wellbeing

• Nationally, physical literacy levels haven't recovered to pre-pandemic levels

Activity Levels

In Bradford, children and young people's activity levels have stayed the same as last year, with 40.4% of children meeting the Chief Medical Officers' guidelines of taking part in an average of 60 minutes or more of sport and physical activity a day. 24% are fairly active and 35.6% are doing less than an average of 30 minutes a day.

In comparison, an average of 47.2% of children nationally take part in an average of 60 minutes or more of sport and physical activity a day. 22.7% are fairly active and 30.1% are doing less than an average of 30 minutes a day.

Overall, activity levels in Bradford remain much the same as the previous year. Although 2021-2022 was a time when there were concerns around the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, given the previous year included a period of restrictions, it shows the importance of supporting children to be more active in order to bring activity levels even back up to pre-pandemic levels.

What is also concerning is the continuation of widening inequalities between genders and ethnicities.

Gender

According to national data, boys are more likely to be active than girls. Boys have driven the recovery in activity levels and subsequently the gender gap between boys and girls has re-emerged (50% compared to 45%).
On a positive note, activity levels among secondary school age girls have increased over time and are now at the highest level since the survey began in the 2017-2018 academic year.

Ethnicity

Children and young people with Black, Asian and Other ethnicities are the least likely to be active. Activity levels are back in line with pre-pandemic levels for most ethnic groups, except Black children and young people. This is specifically among Black boys where, despite a notable increase compared to 12 months ago (+11.1%) the proportion active remains 7.7% lower than pre-pandemic.

Family affluence

Those from low affluent families are still the least likely to be active than those from high affluence (42% compared to 52%). All groups have seen activity levels recover to pre-pandemic levels.

These statistics highlight how important it is for us all to continue to work together to support children to be active enough to benefit their health.