Menu
12/05/2023
Parents And Children Urged To 'Leave The Car And Walk To School'
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has appealed for parents and children to 'leave the car at home and walk to school'.
Ahead of Walk To School Week (15-19 May), the PHA has highlighted statistics that show almost two thirds (65%) of primary school pupils are driven to or from school by car, while around a quarter – only 26% – walk. For post-primary, 35% of pupils are driven by car and just 16% walk.
When compared with stats from 2013/14, car travel to and from primary school has increased by 6% (59% to 65%) and walking has decreased by 5% (31% to 26%).
Colette Brolly, the PHA lead on physical activity, said: "It's important that children are introduced to a culture of being active from an early age as it is something that will stay with them and benefit them throughout their lives.
"Half of our primary school pupils live a mile or less from their school but far too few of them are walking or cycling to school.
"The great thing about walking is that it is simple and easy to do. It's something that can be built in to your everyday routine and there's no better way to get started than walking to school with your kids.
"Walk to School Week gives us all the opportunity to get active, and it's not something that's just for kids. Make this a family experience and walk with your children or grandchildren to school. It won't feel like exercise at all and you will all get to spend that special time together, as well as becoming more active."
Being physically active helps to build strong bones, muscles and a healthy heart, supports the development of social skills, and encourages a sense of wellbeing.
The PHA, along with the Department for Infrastructure, funds the Active Schools Travel programme.
The programme, delivered by Sustrans, encourages and supports school pupils to walk, cycle or scoot to school rather than taking a lift in the car with their parents.
The Chief Medical Officers recommend that children over the age of five years need to take part in moderate to vigorous intensity activities for at least 60 minutes, and up to several hours, every day. This can be broken up into small chunks of 10 minutes throughout the day – it all adds up.
For adults, walking at a brisk pace can make you feel good and reduce anxiety, can help you sleep better, and can reduce blood pressure, and with 63% of men and 58% of women being overweight or obese in Northern Ireland, walking to school with your children can also help you manage your weight.
For further information on the benefits of walking and tips and hints to get started visit the PHA's website www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com.
Ahead of Walk To School Week (15-19 May), the PHA has highlighted statistics that show almost two thirds (65%) of primary school pupils are driven to or from school by car, while around a quarter – only 26% – walk. For post-primary, 35% of pupils are driven by car and just 16% walk.
When compared with stats from 2013/14, car travel to and from primary school has increased by 6% (59% to 65%) and walking has decreased by 5% (31% to 26%).
Colette Brolly, the PHA lead on physical activity, said: "It's important that children are introduced to a culture of being active from an early age as it is something that will stay with them and benefit them throughout their lives.
"Half of our primary school pupils live a mile or less from their school but far too few of them are walking or cycling to school.
"The great thing about walking is that it is simple and easy to do. It's something that can be built in to your everyday routine and there's no better way to get started than walking to school with your kids.
"Walk to School Week gives us all the opportunity to get active, and it's not something that's just for kids. Make this a family experience and walk with your children or grandchildren to school. It won't feel like exercise at all and you will all get to spend that special time together, as well as becoming more active."
Being physically active helps to build strong bones, muscles and a healthy heart, supports the development of social skills, and encourages a sense of wellbeing.
The PHA, along with the Department for Infrastructure, funds the Active Schools Travel programme.
The programme, delivered by Sustrans, encourages and supports school pupils to walk, cycle or scoot to school rather than taking a lift in the car with their parents.
The Chief Medical Officers recommend that children over the age of five years need to take part in moderate to vigorous intensity activities for at least 60 minutes, and up to several hours, every day. This can be broken up into small chunks of 10 minutes throughout the day – it all adds up.
For adults, walking at a brisk pace can make you feel good and reduce anxiety, can help you sleep better, and can reduce blood pressure, and with 63% of men and 58% of women being overweight or obese in Northern Ireland, walking to school with your children can also help you manage your weight.
For further information on the benefits of walking and tips and hints to get started visit the PHA's website www.ChooseToLiveBetter.com.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
21 October 2022
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
02 October 2013
£1.2m Invested In Sustainable School Transport
£1.2m has been invested in a sustainable transport initiative to encourage children to walk and cycle to school. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy and the Public Health Agency jointly launched the Active School Travel Initiative today.
£1.2m Invested In Sustainable School Transport
£1.2m has been invested in a sustainable transport initiative to encourage children to walk and cycle to school. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy and the Public Health Agency jointly launched the Active School Travel Initiative today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
