Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for developing movement skills, learning healthy habits and laying a foundation for lifelong health and well-being. 

Regular physical activity in young people promotes strong bones and muscles, physical fitness and cognitive function and reduces symptoms of depression. In contrast, higher amounts of sedentary behaviour in young people are linked to poorer physical fitness and mental health and shorter sleep duration. 

Adults play an important role in encouraging children and youth to achieve a daily balance of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep.

The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines outline what a healthy 24 hours looks like for people of all ages when it comes to physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep. Learn how much of these movement behaviours are recommended for the early years (0-4 years) and children and youth (5-17 years): 

• Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Early Years
• Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth

Learn more about why physical activity is important for children and youth, how they can be active and how to prevent injuries from activity:

• Keeping children and teenagers active
• Activities for school age children
• Physical activity in children: Get children involved
• Physical activity tips for children
• Physical activity for youth
• Quick tips: Getting active as a family
• Preventing injuries from physical activity

For even more support with encouraging physical activity in early childhood, childhood and adolescence, check out the following resources. 

• Appetite to Play (Child Health BC, Canada)
• Active For Life (B2ten, Canada)
• Exercise Right for Kids (Exercise Right, Australia)