Only one in five New Brunswick youth engages in 60 minutes of physical activity a day, which is the Canadian recommendation. 26% of sixth graders get enough exercise, and that percentage drops to 15% in 12th grade^e Year.

A sedentary lifestyle can have serious consequences for physical and moral health. “We see that there are trends that are going in the wrong direction, it’s important for them for their long-term health and life expectancy,” said Stéphane Robichaud, director general of the New Brunswick Health Council.

Young people would rather spend time in front of a screen than go outside to do activities. “Maybe minimizing screen time and then you send your youngsters outside and shut the door,” says one citizen.

“There’s definitely a lot more access to screen time and typically screen time is associated with a sedentary lifestyle,” adds Grant Handrigan, kinesiologist. “It’s additive, our young people are particularly vulnerable and what long-term impact will that have? asks Stephane Robichaud.

However, certain financial and educational barriers also prevent children from becoming active. “It is also the task of the parents to promote exercise and education,” says another resident. “There are many financial hurdles, but often these are activities that are not accessible to the vast majority of young people,” says the Director General of the Health Council.

“The increasing practice in schools is still a place where young people spend a large part of their day, their developmental period from 5 to 18 years,” says the kinesiologist.

Some say municipalities should also set up infrastructure to encourage young people to walk or cycle. “Encourage investment in infrastructure that encourages active travel. They tend to resort to passive means, especially by car,” says the health and physics expert kinesiologist.

“On a local level, do we have interesting opportunities for young people to spend more time outdoors? asks Stephane Robichaud.

The New Brunswick Health Council survey was conducted among 42,000 sixth graders^e on 12^e year in the province.