29/05/2025
Cost of Living Crisis Hindering Children's Physical Activity
Alliance Education spokesperson Michelle Guy MLA has highlighted that the impact of the cost of living crisis on children and young people's physical activity levels has not received sufficient attention from ministers.
Speaking at the launch of Ulster University research on the issue at Stormont today (May 29th), Guy noted the "stark" findings, which reveal that 30% of surveyed parents cannot afford necessary equipment and clothing for their children to participate in sport, and 37% reported their children missing out on activities due to costs.
Ms. Guy expressed concern that this situation exacerbates an existing problem, as only 21% of primary and 16% of post-primary pupils currently meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. She stressed that physical activity should be a "cross-departmental priority" due to its broad health benefits, including reducing the risk of obesity and depression, and improving cognition and academic performance.
The research also uncovered a growing divide in access to specific sports based on household income. Guy pointed to the cost of sports kit as a significant barrier and urged the Education Minister to ensure the School Uniforms Bill effectively supports families. She concluded that "no child should be shut out of any sport or physical activity because of the cost of school sports or PE kit," and called on the Education Minister to respond to the report and implement its recommendations.
Speaking at the launch of Ulster University research on the issue at Stormont today (May 29th), Guy noted the "stark" findings, which reveal that 30% of surveyed parents cannot afford necessary equipment and clothing for their children to participate in sport, and 37% reported their children missing out on activities due to costs.
Ms. Guy expressed concern that this situation exacerbates an existing problem, as only 21% of primary and 16% of post-primary pupils currently meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. She stressed that physical activity should be a "cross-departmental priority" due to its broad health benefits, including reducing the risk of obesity and depression, and improving cognition and academic performance.
The research also uncovered a growing divide in access to specific sports based on household income. Guy pointed to the cost of sports kit as a significant barrier and urged the Education Minister to ensure the School Uniforms Bill effectively supports families. She concluded that "no child should be shut out of any sport or physical activity because of the cost of school sports or PE kit," and called on the Education Minister to respond to the report and implement its recommendations.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.