Want your children to be more active? Join them

More than one third of children do not participate in an organized physical activity outside of school-mandated physical education, according to a new study reported by Medical News Today.

An industry survey – conducted by a company that makes toys for outdoor play – asked 2,000 U.K. parents about their children’s physical activity levels.

"These findings are particularly shocking because while two-thirds of children are participating in sports outside of school, this still means millions aren’t," explained Guy Orr, head of product development at Mookie Toys.

Two-thirds of the parents admitted their children would be more interested in playing sports if the family were to play together, but according to the study findings, most families only do so about two to three times a month.

"Most importantly, sport should be made to be fun – children will want to get involved more if their parents are doing it with them," noted Orr.

"And this doesn’t mean that parents will need to create a punishing fitness regime for the family. By just incorporating a few family activities into your daily lifestyle… [it] can really help to get children enthusiastic about sport."