Based on the best scientific evidence, the recommendation on physical activity for children and adolescents describes how much and what kind of physical activity children and adolescents need in order to ensure their well-being.

According to the recommendation, all children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years are recommended to exercise in a versatile, brisk and strenuous manner for at least 60 minutes a day in a way that suits the individual, considering their age. Excessive and extended sedentary activity should be avoided.

According to the recommendation, it would be good to exercise every day of the week, and most of the physical activity should be endurance activity. Strenuous endurance-type activity that increases muscle strength and strengthens the skeletal system should be performed at least three days a week. Physical activity should be versatile, in which case different exercising skills will develop. Attention should also be paid to mobility. The recommended amount of physical activity may be accumulated from several sessions of physical activity during the day. A smaller amount of physical activity is also beneficial, even if the recommendation is not met every day. The pleasure of exercising helps to create a lasting exercise routine and find lasting hobbies. All children and adolescents should engage in daily physical activity which is safe and equally available to everyone.

Key implementing bodies for the physical activity recommendation include your family and friends, schools and educational institutions, sports organisations and sports clubs and all organisers of sports activities, municipalities and central government.

When referring to this publication please indicate the source as follows: Recommendation on physical activity for children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years. 2021. Report series of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland 2021:21.

Publication was updated on 28th April 2021, p. 3, 5 and 43.