Physical Activity Among BC Youth

 Administration took place in Grade 7-12 classes in 50 of the 59 BC School Districts.  Over surveys were collected in 1,760 classrooms between February and June “This survey has opened my eyes that I’m extremely lucky with my life (i.e. sports, family and friends).” BC Youth Participant

 Exercise – 20 minutes or more of strenuous exercise  Organised sports – with a coach (swim lessons, sports teams)  Informal sports – road hockey, hiking  Dance or aerobics – weekly classes

Moving in the Right Direction

Note: The difference for ‘less than once a week’ was not statistically significant.

Moving in the Right Direction

Note: The differences between ‘0 days’ and ‘1 or 2 days’ or ‘0 days’ and ‘3 to 5 days’ were not statistically significant.

Moving in the Right Direction

Moving in the Right Direction

^Among youth who had tried alcohol. Note: The difference for 15-year-olds was not statistically significant.

Sexually harassed three or more times in past year

Moving in the Right Direction

Moving in the Right Direction

Strenuous Exercise 26% exercised 6 to 7 days. + Rated health as good/excellent. + Higher self-esteem. + Better nutrition behaviours. + Better mental health. - More likely to be injured. - More likely to have used steroids.

Informal Sports 30% took part 4 or more times a week. + Rated health as good/excellent. + Higher self-esteem. + Better nutrition behaviours. +/- Moderate frequency associated with steroid and other drug use. -Females more likely to be sexually harassed.

Organised Sports 30% took part 4 or more times a week. + Good/excellent health, self-esteem, better mental health. +/- Moderate frequency associated with alcohol and steroid use. +Males were less likely to be teased, excluded or assaulted. - More likely to be injured.

Dance or aerobics 7% took part 4 or more times a week. + Good/excellent health, self-esteem. - Stress and anxiety, and for males, suicide risk. - Disordered eating behaviours. - Teasing, exclusion, harassment. - Females more likely to be injured.

Moving in the Right Direction

 Most youth participate in some form of physical activity every week.  Participation in daily exercise increased among BC youth over the past decade and more females are engaging in any type of weekly physical activity.  Youth living in rural areas were more likely than urban based students to take part in informal sports opportunities.  Some youth were at greater risk for not being involved in physical activity.

 Youth involved in sports and exercise were less likely to use a range of substances.  Involvement in physical activity was associated with better nutritional behaviours.  However, there were a few risky behaviours associated with heavy involvement in sports or dance/aerobics.

 Physical activity was associated with a lower rate of self harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.  Physical activity can be protective for even the most vulnerable youth in the province.  Youth who felt they had input, their ideas were listened to and acted upon were more likely to be engaged in physical activities.

Moving in the Right Direction

 Participation in organized sports  Availability of affordable sports and recreation programs  Rates of screen time/sedentary activities  Community connectedness  Availability of public transport

Exercised on three or more days in the past week

 Offer alternative ways to exercise  Have more accessible and youth friendly gym space  Make physical activity more appealing  Offer a wider range of activities  Have programs that are fun and not judgmental  Offer affordable programs

 Presentations of findings  Youth fact sheet  ‘Next Steps’ workshops – taking results back to youth

All reports available at: