CHILDREN across Wales are among the world’s least fit, according to deeply-concerning research published by the Wales Report Card Team this week.

The research, which was conducted before the Covid pandemic, found that only half of three to 17-year-olds in Wales exercised for the recommended one-hour each day.

And the picture gets worse because the report handed Wales an ‘F’ for the amount of time children spent sat down when relaxing (such as watching TV and playing on games).

Granted, the Welsh government had previously funded a range of activities to boost children’s health and that’s to be commended; however, alarm bells ought to be ringing in the Senedd, given the report’s authors have warned that there’s evidence showing the current level of unfitness has actually worsened since Covid

This is an extremely worrying report and one that must be seen to immediately.

Our health is absolutely pivotal because we know that being fit from a young age will help us avoid illnesses in our latter years.

A healthy nutritious diet as well as regular exercise we know is fundamental to our, and our children’s well-being and society as a whole.

The Welsh government, together with local authorities have to find practical and sensible solutions to solve this worrying situation.

When serious issues come to light such as this, or indeed the issues with our NHS, it signals that these aren’t the results of recent circumstance that can be put right with a few more £million thrown at them, it points to a wider systemic problem that will be multi-faceted.

With children and young people’s exercise levels, to me, this has to be looked at from a home, school, community and county perspective with different approaches and strategies employed at each level.

These things have been slipping for many years and won’t be put right over night, but the government need get to the bottom of this soon as the consequences for future generations could be very serious.