Hong Kong’s youngsters not getting enough exercise, study shows

Hong Kong’s youngsters have been given a D grade for their overall physical activity levels, according to a report by the Chinese University.

The Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth study, which was carried out with 37 other countries and regions, looked at a number of factors that contribute to teenagers’ and children’s health.

Of the nine indicators set by the study, Hong Kong performed worst – scoring a D grade – in overall physical activity levels and family support, with less than half of those between age two and 17 meeting the international recommendation of having one hour of physical activity per day, and only about 30 per cent taking part in physical activities with their families at least once a week.

The research team gave the scores based mainly on the findings of 33 surveys conducted in the past 10 years related to the indicators. Gaining an A grade means 81 per cent to 100 per cent of youth can meet the international standard, B was 61 per cent to 81 per cent, C represents 41 per cent to 60 per cent, D means 21 to 40 per cent, and F was 0 to 20 per cent.

Hong Kong did best in “active transportation” and “community and the built environment” ­– achieving a B – with about 80 per cent of young people travelling to school on foot or by bicycle and almost 80 per cent of parents feeling the community was safe with low traffic and crime rate, and a majority of youth expressing satisfaction with the sports facilities provided by the government.