Otago's children take the lead in physical activity

It seems Otago children have cleaned up when it comes to being the most active children in New Zealand, a new laundry powder survey shows.

Persil New Zealand surveyed 261 parents around the country and found Kiwi children were doing well in international terms in keeping active. 

Within the survey, it was revealed Otago children were leading the way compared with other regions in New Zealand.

The survey found almost half of Otago children (43%) spent more than three hours a day outside, whereas only 14% of Auckland children, 15% of Waikato children, 11% of Wellington children and 21% of Canterbury children spend more than three hours outside a day.

The survey also found that Otago children spent the least time watching television.

Only 14% of Otago children spent most of their free time watching television, compared with 42% of Auckland children, 20% of Waikato children, 36% of Wellington children and 50% of Canterbury children.

When it came to the amount of time spent daily using electronic devices such as cellphones, tablets or other computers, 28% of Otago children spent more than an hour, whereas 50% of Auckland children, 60% of Wellington children and 95% of Canterbury children spent more than an hour.

A recent survey by insurance company Southern Cross Health Society showed that people from Dunedin were the nation's most frequent exercisers, with 47% of Dunedin respondents say-ing that they exercised at least four times a week.

Overall, the Persil survey found New Zealand children spent more time being active when compared with other children around the globe.

In Australia, 37% of children typically spent less than 30 minutes a day being active outside, while in New Zealand only 5% of children fell into that category.

The survey also revealed New Zealand children were spending less time on electronic devices, 80% having two hours or less ''screen time'' each day.

This contrasted dramatically with a recent study in the United States, which showed American children were spending on average, more than seven hours a day using electronic devices.

Triple P New Zealand Ltd child psychologist Jackie Riach believed that Otago children led the way in terms of being outside and doing physical activity.

However, she questioned why Otago children spent so much time outside.

''Is it the attitude of their parents? Is it that they have more outdoor play space? There could be many factors why many Otago children play outdoors more.''

While Ms Riach did not know the answers, she said that it was encouraging to see electronic equipment was not entirely taking over children's lives in the South.

It was important for children to engage in a range of activities, including outdoor physical play, because it helped them build confidence, develop motor skills and enhanced their emotional wellbeing, she said.

- john.lewis@odt.co.nz