Many of us who care about children’s health and overall well-being are advocating for policy and environmental changes that can help kids and teens be more physically active. Experts recommend that children have at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, every day. In addition to being healthier, kids are also more focused and prepared to learn when they get regular physical activity. Strategies that schools and communities can pursue include increasing the amount of time for physical education (PE) and improving the safety and quality of local parks and playgrounds.

A new study revealed three key things that schools in particular can do to help young people achieve the daily recommended dose of 60 minutes of activity. The study found that when kids and teens have daily PE, physical activity breaks during class time, and walk or bike to school, they can get up to 58 minutes of physical activity each day. See the chart for a few other strategies that can add to children’s daily dose of physical activity, including having renovated parks and providing after-school programs. An article summary, infographic, and the full study are available for free.