Physical activity for children and young people: 5 to 18 years (text of the infographic)
Updated 16 July 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/physical-activity-guidelines-children-and-young-people-5-to-18-years/physical-activity-for-children-and-young-people-5-to-18-years-text-of-the-infographic
The infographic summarises the UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidelines.
Physical activity:
- builds confidence and social skills
- develops co-ordination
- improves concentration and learning
- strengthens muscles and bones
- improves health and fitness
- maintains healthy weight
- improves sleep
- makes you feel good
Be physically active
Aim for an average of at least 60 minutes per day across the week.
Spread activity throughout the day.
All activities should make you breathe faster and feel warmer.
Activities to develop movement sills, and muscle and bone strength across the week:
- play
- walk/run
- swim
- skate
- bike
- active travel
- sports
- physical education (PE)
- skip
- climb
- workout
- dance
Reduce inactivity.
Get strong. Move more. Increase activity.
Find ways to help all children and young people accumulate an average of at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day across the week.