Is Our Modern Lifestyle Making Our Kids Lazy and Lethargic?

A recent global comparison of 38 countries reveals that Canada has much to learn from other nations regarding fostering active lifestyles in children. The report card assigns Canadian kids an F for sedentary behavior, a D- in overall physical activity, and a D+ for active play.

In contrast, research published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health ranks 37 other countries using the same criteria, highlighting that Canadians could learn from countries such as Zimbabwe, Slovenia, and New Zealand.

An October 17, 2025, report from Statistics Canada indicates that one in three Canadian adolescents aged 12 to 17 is classified as either overweight or obese. The causes of obesity are numerous and complex, but physical activity and sedentary behaviors are key factors.

What is particularly concerning for parents is that low activity levels during adolescence are likely to persist in adulthood, leading to further weight challenges later in life. The report also found that this troubling situation is worsening over time.

According to Statistics Canada, only 21% of youth aged 12 to 17 met the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day between 2022 and 2024. This figure is significantly lower than the 36% reported in 2018-2019. Within this age group, females were less physically active than their male peers (8% vs. 33%).

Travis Saunders, a professor at the University of Prince Edward Island who studies the health impacts of sedentary behavior, emphasizes that “children and youth who get more physical activity early in life perform better in almost all outcomes you can think of: in their physical health, mental health, bone health, and academic achievements.”

Reasons for Inactivity:

While several factors contribute to this trend, the prevalence and easy access to the internet are significant reasons why children are increasingly opting for video games, smartphones, and computers over physical activity.

In Ontario, 51.5% of youth aged 12-17 are reported to spend a median of 6 to 7 hours each day on screens. Medical experts link this physical inactivity to poorer body composition, increased cardiometabolic risks, lower fitness levels, and negative impacts on mental health.

Evidence supporting these concerns continues to mount.

On March 26, 2026 (today), a US jury found that Meta and YouTube developed addictive products that harmed young people. The jury ordered the companies to pay $6 million (approximately €5.1 million) to a 20-year-old woman after concluding that these platforms were designed to captivate young users. The plaintiff, identified only by her initials KGM, testified that her extensive internet and social media use, particularly on Meta and YouTube, amplified her mental health struggles.

Final Word:

“We all have a role to play in addressing physical inactivity among our children and youth. To make being active a way of life for every kid in Canada, we need collaborative solutions that involve parents, educators, communities, and all levels of government. Together, we must invest in long-term, sustainable strategies with a clear vision for the future,” said Elio Antunes, President & CEO of ParticipACTION.

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