Primary school aged children across Australia will make those important steps towards a healthier future by participating in Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 18 May 2018.
The annual event, now in its 19th year, encourages primary school aged children across the country to walk to and from school, not just on Friday 18 May, but every day.
Harold Scruby, Chairman and CEO of the Pedestrian Council of Australia said that unless teachers, parents, carers and the community generally get behind this event and its objectives, the outlook for Australia’s children is not good.
“1 in 4 children in Australia are overweight or obese, and it is expected that numbers will reach 1 in 3 by 2020. We really need teachers, parents, carers and the community at large to get behind this event and its objectives, The best exercise for all of us is regular walking. Children require at least 60 minutes per day of physical activity. We should encourage them to include walking at the beginning, during and end of each day”, he said.
The national initiative also promotes improved diets (by asking schools and P&Cs to Host a Healthy Breakfast), positive environmental action, better use of public transport with reduced car-dependency and the vitally important road safety message: “Until they are 10, children must always hold the hand of an adult when crossing the road”.
Walk Safely to School Day is a national community initiative that aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking (especially to and from school) can provide for the long term health of our children. It’s not too late to participate and it’s FREE!
More News
