Latest Insights on Children’s Physical Activity Levels

Eating healthy and staying active are crucial for preventing heart disease and stroke. However, the latest report from the Physical Activity Alliance, the nation’s largest national coalition dedicated to advancing regular participation in physical activity, reveals a concerning trend: physical activity levels among children and youth in the United States remain alarming low since their last report in 2022.

Key findings: 

• Only 20% to 28% of 6- to 17-year-olds meet the 60 minutes of daily physical activity recommended by the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
• The proportion of children meeting these guidelines has decreased slightly since 2016, when these data were first available. Physical activity levels decline with age: Between 26% and 42% of 6- to 11-year-olds report meeting the guidelines, while rates for 12- to 17-year-olds appear to be around 15%.
• The most notable declines have been observed in sports participation and adherence to screen time recommendations.

The 2024 Report Card highlights the need for programs and policies to address the rise in societal factors that hinder children’s physical activity and healthy development. You can access the 2024 Executive Summary and Full Report at paamovewithus.org.

The American Heart Association is dedicated to driving nationwide change through impactful policy advocacy. We champion complete streets that are safe and accessible for everyone, comprehensive school physical activity programs that include physical education and activity throughout the school day, and safe routes to schools making it safer for students to walk and and bike to school. Together, we can create environments where children can thrive and lead healthier lives.