Children happier but not healthier

Monday October 24th, 2011

British school-children are happier than they used to be - but not healthier, according to the findings of a major study published today.

Researchers found that being happier means children are less likely than before to indulge in damaging behaviour.

But there is little inclination of them getting any more exercise or better food than before - in spite of campaigns to tackle childhood obesity.

The findings come from a study of some 4,400 children aged between 11 and 15 compiled as the British arm of a major World Health Organisation study involving more than 40 countries.

As many as 80 per cent of the children reported high satisfaction with life. And rates of substance abuse, alcohol drinking, smoking and early sexual experimentation were all down since 2002.

But children also eat less fruit than nine years ago and most do not get recommended daily levels of physical activity, researchers say.

As many as 95 per cent of children said they feel encouraged by their parents to do well at school.

Researcher Professor Fiona Brooks, of the University of Hertfordshire, UK, said: "We rarely ask young people what they think and it is time we started doing this. This study is a way of listening to young people and actually hearing what they say.

"The good news is that the majority of young people feel supported by their parents and in their school life, so there is scope for these role models to get more involved in keeping them healthy."

Public health minister Anne Milton said the report showed "positive progress".

She said: "It also shows areas where we must do more. That is why we are giving local areas a ring-fenced public health budget to ensure they can tackle their local problems and help children live healthier lives.”

Tags: Child Health | Diet & Food | Fitness | Mental Health | UK News

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