Our website uses Cookies - by using this site or closing this message you're agreeing to our Terms & Conditions, Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy
xNew partnership to promote healthy activity for babies, children and young people
Date: 28th September 2026
Category:
Disability, Basic Health and Welfare
A new partnership is being launched to provide science-based health information and practical advice to improve health and educational outcomes for children and young people from birth to age 18.
The partnership titled ‘Scotland Moves’ is led by the University of Strathclyde and Inspiring Scotland, it will provide evidence based information for policymakers, alongside practical guidance on physical activity for parents, healthcare professionals and educators. The partnership follows research showing that many health professionals are not familiar with national physical activity guidelines for children. A recent survey found that only half of Scottish health professionals were aware of the guidelines for school-aged children and young people, while awareness of guidance for babies and pre-school children was even lower.
Physical activity supports children’s physical, mental and emotional development, as well as learning and long-term health. However, activity levels begin to decline from around age four, and many children do not meet recommended activity levels before starting school.
The 2026 Active Healthy Kids Scotland Report Card also found that fewer than one in five Scottish teenagers meet the international recommendation for daily recreational screen time. Around half do not get the recommended amount of sleep.
The partnership will also look at successful approaches from other countries and consider how they could help improve physical activity and health outcomes for children and young people in Scotland, including those living with disabilities or long-term health conditions.