Physical Activity: Schools and Cities Hold the Key to Active, Safe and Healthy Kids

If we want healthier kids, we cannot just tell them to “move more” or “eat less.” These are not sustainable solutions. We need to rethink the environments where children spend most of their time socializing, and for most of them, that’s school.

It has been a while since I wrote my last paper. Time flies, and life continues its cycle. A lot has happened over the past few months, and I have been reflecting on what my next steps should be. Fortunately, the decisions I have made so far have felt natural and comfortable, guiding me along a path that seems right.

There’s so much happening in the world and within our societies today. What we do know is that crime is increasing, social media is putting immense pressure on many young people, and stressful lifestyles are taking a toll on both mental and physical health. Children and teenagers, in particular, need more guidance, positive role models, and attention from adults. They also need to change some of their current habits, especially the amount of time spent in front of screens (phones, tablets, computers, and video games).

The Everyday Health Arena

School is one of the few places that reach nearly every child, regardless of background. It’s where kids spend a large part of their waking hours during their most formative years. But here’s the catch: Physical Education and Health usually make up only 1–2% of their total weekly awake time.

Even during Physical Education (PE), some of that time is lost to instructions or waiting in line for activities. Yet, when PE is well-designed, like a Martial Arts class that builds balance, coordination, confidence, and health knowledge — it can spark a lifelong interest in being active. That’s critical in a world where many kids spend more time on screens than on their feet.

It’s astonishing how many things have changed in just two decades. Many children and teenagers now prefer to stay indoors playing online rather than being outside with friends. It almost seems as if they feel “punished” when told to go out and play; a clear sign of how our relationship with movement has shifted.

Beyond the Gym: Shared Responsibility

Physical Education (PE) matters — but apparently, it’s not enough on its own in schools. There is an urgent need for parents to be more present in their children’s lives and to guide them, including encouraging participation in extracurricular activities such as sports. However, it’s equally important not to overload children with too many commitments; two or more extra activities per week can easily become overwhelming. This can, for instance, make it harder for them to maintain focus and dedication.

When it comes to schools, simply adding more PE classes won’t solve the broader issue of sedentary lifestyles and childhood obesity. We need to think bigger.

Building healthier habits in children requires a collective effort involving families, schools, and communities. Physical activity should not be limited to PE lessons but integrated into daily routines such as walking or cycling to school, playing outdoors, and engaging in unstructured physical play.

Schools can play a vital role by creating environments that encourage movement throughout the day, through active breaks, outdoor learning, and after-school programs that promote physical well-being and teamwork. At the same time, communities and local governments must provide accessible and safe spaces for children to be active, such as parks, sports fields, and recreational facilities.

Equally important is addressing the mental and emotional side of health. Physical education and sports are powerful tools for teaching discipline, cooperation, resilience, and self-confidence. When children feel supported both physically and emotionally, they are more likely to stay active and motivated — not because they have to, but because they want to.

The City as a Fitness Coach

Urban planning plays a crucial role in how active our children and we can be. Unfortunately, many cities are still designed around cars rather than walking, cycling, or accessible public transport. In Sweden, for example, it’s sometimes cheaper to fly than to take the train — hardly an incentive for low-carbon, healthy travel.

Research shows that children are much more likely to walk or cycle to school when the route is safe, parents feel confident, and the surroundings are pleasant. The journey to school can be more than just transportation. It can be an opportunity to meet friends, enjoy fresh air, and build daily physical activity into life almost effortlessly. And the benefits extend far beyond health. Studies indicate that when more people walk or cycle instead of driving, local businesses experience increased foot traffic (quite literally) and higher sales. That means more money circulating within the community and a stronger local economy.

Creating cities that encourage movement is not just about promoting health; it’s about sustainability and community resilience. Active transport reduces emissions, improves air quality, and fosters social interaction among residents.

When children grow up in environments where walking, cycling, and playing outdoors are natural parts of everyday life, they learn to value both their health and their surroundings. In that sense, a well-designed city becomes more than just a place to live; it becomes a silent fitness coach, shaping habits, strengthening communities, and nurturing a more sustainable future.

The Money Angle

For example, some studies show that in Canada, the annual cost of owning and driving a car is around SEK 70,000. Compare that to roughly SEK 1,200 for cycling or virtually nothing for walking. People who choose active or public transport have more money left to spend, and much of that spending happens locally.

The Bottom Line

Physical activity is not just “nice to have.” It’s one of the strongest protective factors for health, while a sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for disease and premature death. If we design schools, cities, and communities that make daily movement the easiest choice, we don’t just raise healthier kids, we build stronger, more connected, and more resilient societies.

💡 Next time you see a child cycling to school or kicking a ball in the schoolyard, remember — that’s not just play. That’s public health in motion.