A study undertaken by Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) for VicHealth had proven that children who walk to school are more active in their dayly activities then ones that are driven by car. The study also suggests that walking to school increases the connection between children and community.

The study was perform considering surveys and pictures taken from 659 primary school children between ages 9 and 12. The results showed that only 26 per cent of the analyzed children walked to school in the past five days. Also, children who walked to school demonstrated a greater familiarity with the local environment drawing detailed elements of parks, trees, grass, flowers, children playing football, people riding bikes, walking their dog and playgrounds.

 In contrast, children who were driven by car to school depicted abstract and isolated images about their neighborhoods having the car and the road as the central theme. Images the drawn consisted of traffic lights, road signs, people crossing streets, office buildings and shopping centers.

 VicHealth CEO Todd Harper said: “This study is a great insight into the hearts and minds of our children. It shows that we need to invest a lot more in their physical and emotional wellbeing.” This type of study presented a very innovative look at young children analyzing physical activity and their connection to their local environment.

 The research is being presented at the inaugural International Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress in Melbourne next week.

Stay Healthy!