New research from VicHealth has found almost one in three primary school students take part in the initiative\u2019s annual Walk to School month. <\/p>\n
Last year, an estimated 186,600 students walked, rode or scooted to school during October \u2013 the highest number achieved in the program\u2019s 14-year history.<\/p>\n
An independent survey of Victorian parents and carers revealed those with children who took part in Walk to School 2019 were more likely than parents of kids who didn\u2019t take part to view active travel as:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Good for their children\u2019s health (90 per cent of participating parents\/carers vs 84 per cent of non-participating parents\/carers)
\n\u2022 A practical way to help their child get 60 minutes of physical activity a day (84 per cent vs 79 per cent of non-participating parents)
\n\u2022 Helpful for developing their child\u2019s independence (83 per cent vs 77 per cent of non-participating parents)
\n\u2022 An opportunity for their child to chat with friends (72 per cent vs 60 per cent of non-participating parents).<\/p>\n
However, the survey found a fear of judgement was a barrier for many parents, with close to half worried other parents would disapprove if their children walked to school without adult supervision. <\/p>\n
To encourage higher participation in Walk to School month and long-term behavioural change, prizes were awarded to schools that actioned creative ideas to inspire students to get involved. <\/p>\n
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos said it was wonderful to see a record number of Victorian families walking to school.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur Victorian primary school kids are embracing physical activity, building independence and socialising with their friends. It\u2019s encouraging to see so many school communities across Victoria walking, riding or scootering to school.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope families will continue to embrace the healthy habits they\u2019ve developed during Walk to School by staying active during the year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Torquay Coast Primary School was among a number of Victorian schools that participated in the initiative for the first time last year. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
New research from VicHealth has found almost one in three primary school students take part in the initiative\u2019s annual Walk to School month. Last year, an estimated 186,600 students walked, rode or scooted to school during October \u2013 the highest number achieved in the program\u2019s 14-year history. An independent survey of Victorian parents and carers […]<\/p>\n