3.8.9 Percentage of Canadian children and youth who spend 14 or more hours per week in sedentary activities, Canada, 2011-2012
| Age 12 to 14 Years | Age 15 to 17 Years | Age 18 to 19 Years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys | 67.6 | 76.2 | 74.6 |
| Girls | 55.2 | 61.1 | 64.9 |
Source: CICH graphic created using data adapted from the Canadian Community Health Survey. 2011-2012.
According to the Canadian Sedendary Behaviour Guidelines it is recommended that children and youth spend no more than 2 hours a day in sedentary activities. Sedentary activities include computer time, watching TV, playing games or reading.
In 2011-2012, boys were more likely than girls aged 12 to 19 years to spend 14 hours or more per week in sedentary activities.
Older youth – both boys and girls – were more likely to spend more than 14 hours in sedentary activities than were younger youth/children.
65% of girls 18 to 19 years of age spent 14+ hours per week in sedentary activities, compared with 61% of 15 to 17 year olds and 55% of 12 to 14 year olds.
75% of boys 18 to 19 years of age spent 14+ hours in sedentary activities compared with 68% of 12 to 14 year olds.