A family that exercises together, improves their health together!
New research led by the University of South Australia and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (CHEO RI) has shown that teenagers who exercise regularly with their families are more likely to enjoy better physical health, reduced screen time and stronger mental wellbeing.
The study analysed responses from 8213 Canadian adolescents aged 12 to 17, revealing a clear link between family-based physical activity and teen health.
Teens who exercised more frequently with family members were:
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23% more likely to meet daily physical activity guidelines (60+ minutes/day).
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74% more likely to meet recommended screen time limits (≤2 hours/day)/
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81% more likely to report better mental health.
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67% reported higher life satisfaction.
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86% reported lower stress.
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73% reported lower anxiety.
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89% reported fewer symptoms of depression.
‘Getting teens to move crucial’
“We know that regular exercise is great for both body and mind. But with more teenagers glued to screens and devices, it’s easy for sedentary habits to take hold,” says Dr Justin Lang, Adjunct Professor with UniSA and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
“Getting teenagers up and moving is crucial to reversing the slide into inactivity – and as our study shows, the key may be in getting the whole family involved.
“We found that teenagers who exercise daily with their families are twice as likely to meet activity and screen time guidelines – and four times more likely to report stronger mental health and greater life satisfaction.
“The message is simple: when parents get active with their teens and lead by example, everyone wins.
“Teens feel better, move more, and their mental health is stronger.”
‘Exercising as a family has real impact’
Co-researcher, CHEO RI’s Dr JP Chaput, says parents play a powerful role in influencing behaviours in their children.
“Exercising as a family does more than get hearts pumping – it may strengthen bonds, builds confidence, and can have a real impact on teenagers’ mental wellbeing,” he says.
‘When parents take an active role in their teens’ physical activity, it can build stronger emotional bonds, improves communication, and helps create a protective buffer against mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression.
“So, when families prioritise being active together, they’re not only building healthy habits – they’re also investing in their teenagers’ long-term wellbeing.
“Ultimately, it’s a reminder that even small, shared moments of movement can make a big difference.”
To read the study, visit: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39832193/
