Ensuring South Australian children grow healthy and strong

South Australia's children will be encouraged to spend more time playing outdoors and less time in front of computer screens, under a new South Australian Government policy.

The policy will also see the number of schools participating in Stephanie Alexander's 'Kitchen Gardens' program doubled by 2015 under the plan.

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill says the 'Healthy and Strong Children' policy aims to

get more children playing in the open air to reduce rates of obesity and behavioural disorders, and to encourage children to become more connected with nature and our environment.

Premier Weatherill explained "most of us grew up playing outside, kicking a footy in the backyard, climbing trees, or playing chasey with our brothers and sisters or friends.

"But in just one generation, there has been a dramatic shift in childhood activity from outdoors to indoors, driven by personal computer technology and our increasingly risk-averse society.

"The consequences have been significant – more than 26% of South Australia's children aged 5 to 17 are overweight or obese. Clearly, we need to encourage our children to spend less time in front of the computer or TV screen, and more time playing outdoors and enjoying our natural environment."

The Healthy and Strong Children policy is based on a successful initiative operating in Western Australia, and includes:

• 50,000 'passports to an amazing childhood' to encourage South Australian families to get outdoors and into nature
• A free pass for families to one of 13 South Australian parks, including Belair National Park, Flinders National Park, and Deep Creek Conservation Park
• A one-stop Nature Play website where children, parents, and teachers can access information about what to do and where to go
• A Nature Play SA week and Nature Play SA 'Park of the Month' to promote the program to families
• Nature Play-related themes and activities at the Adelaide and Monarto Zoos.

The South Australian Government's successful Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL) child health initiative will also make ' Parks and Places' its theme for 2014, with the aim of getting more children visiting parks, playgrounds, walking trails, and open spaces.

Premier Weatherill said to complement the Nature Play activities, $439,000 will be provided over two years to support more schools joining the successful Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program.

He added "this excellent program helps schools establish their own gardens and kitchen spaces, as well as deliver gardening and cooking classes to students.

"Kitchen Gardens have been growing in popularity, with 41 schools now participating in the program. We want to double the number of schools involved by early 2015. Schools are such an important place to teach children about healthy eating, and school gardens and kitchens can help change our children's eating habits and behaviour."

The South Australian Government already has made significant progress in helping children lead healthier lives.

The $40 million OPAL program is now embedded in 20 South Australian schools, and is helping families to support their children to be healthy while the Premier Weatherill's 'Be Active Challenge' is also encouraging school children to be more active, with almost 37,000 children taking up the challenge during 2012 to log 60 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week.

South Australian Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter said South Australia had a wide range of open spaces, including backyards, local parks and ovals, and playgrounds that are perfect for outdoor play.

Minister Hunter explained "if we can encourage more of our kids to play outside, they'll not only be healthier, but they'll also learn more about the natural environment.

"As announced recently, the State Government has begun discussions about using Adelaide's parklands to their full potential for the community and families.

"There's an opportunity for our parklands to become the 'backyard' for families living in and near the city, providing an ideal place for children to be more active."

Image courtesy of Nature Play.

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