Three-quarters of the 49 countries analyzed by researchers received a failing grade for their children's level of physical activity.
By Tauren Dyson, UPI
Children around the world don't get enough exercise, according to a new study.
The Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance reports in a study published Monday in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health showing that 75 percent of countries surveyed have failing grades on physical activity for children.
The analysis was provided by 517 experts in 49 countries who studied modern life, it's differences in each of the countries and how that has affected overall health of children in each one.
Researchers concluded that the rise in urbanization, automation and motorized transport, among other factors, have led to the problem.
"Global trends, including excessive screen time, are contributing to a generation of inactive children and putting them on a dangerous path," said Mark Tremblay, president of the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance, said in a statement.
Children ages six to 17 should do an hour of physical activity a day, according to the World Health Organization.
Overall, children in Japan, Slovenia and Zimbabwe were among the countries with the most active children.
"Pushing back against these lifestyle shifts requires social engineering, not just built engineering, and the challenges vary depending on each country's stage of development," Tremblay said. "It will take many facets of society working together to shift behaviors to preserve and promote our children's right to play and be active. We hope this report will be a call to action for societies around the world."
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