Youth aged 12 to 17 are less likely than any other age group to meet recommended physical activity levels, according to new data from Statistics Canada. It found that only 21 per cent met national guidelines between 2022 and 2024, down from 36 per cent in the period from 2018 and 2019. 

McGill University experts are available to comment on this topic: 

Claire LeBlanc, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McGill and Division Director of Pediatric Rheumatology at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. She co-authored Canada’s movement guidelines for children and teens and can discuss why it’s important to follow the evidence-backed recommendations. 

Claire.Leblanc.med [at] ssss.gouv.qc.ca (English, French) 

Bruno Da Costa, Assistant Professor at the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, researches physical activity, sedentary behaviour and mental health. He can discuss why teens are moving less, from social influences to screen time, and what it means for their health. 

bruno.dacosta [at] mcgill.ca  (English)