Active Play

INC
2016 Grade: INC

Benchmark

Percentage of children and youth who participate in non-organized sport (active play) at least once per week.
  • An incomplete grade was assigned again to this indicator because there is currently no adequate and representative data relevant to active play among Hong Kong children and youth. Research on active play in Hong Kong is scarce.
  • A recent survey study conducted among 3,177 children and youth aged 6 to 24 years provided some preliminary information on active play. The average time spent in play at playgrounds and parks was 4.1 hours per week for 6- to 12-year-olds and 1.7 hours per week for 13- to 18-year-olds. Unfortunately, the representativeness of the sample and details of the questions asked pertaining to play was not reported so that this survey cannot be used for grading.
  • There is a clear need for a better understanding of the frequency, intensity, duration, and context of active play in Hong Kong children and youth. Recently, researchers proposed a working description of active play with key features including being fun, unstructured, and freely chosen. A suitable tool to adequately capture the different aspects of active play is needed.
  • Current literature focuses on active play outdoors. The opportunities for active play indoors may also warrant attention given the high population density, limited space, and very hot weather in Hong Kong.
  • This indicator may be given an incomplete grade in future report cards until more robust data becomes available.

Reference