In April this year, Kenniscentrum Sport, together with Stichting Opvoeden.nl, conducted a survey among the National Parent Panel to gain more insight into what is ‘alive and happening’ among parents in relation to encouraging their children to participate in sports and physical activity. The survey asked parents for their opinions through questions and statements. It was completed by 861 parents with children up to 12 years old. This has led to various insights.

The survey shows that 71% of parents consider physical activity important. The reason for participating or not participating in sports and for playing outside or not is striking; the child’s opinion plays an important role here. When children participate in sports and play outside a lot, this is often because ‘the child wants to do it’. When they do not play outside much, the reason is often that the child does not feel like it. Another frequently mentioned reason parents give for letting their child participate in sports and play outside is ‘because I, as a parent, think it is good and/or important’.

It is striking that 77% of parents indicate that sports and physical activity are never discussed at the child health clinic. In addition, 17% say they no longer remember whether this was discussed. This is despite the fact that 71% of parents believe that attention should be paid to it at the child health clinic.

Furthermore, the majority of parents (56%) believe that childcare, playgroups or childminders pay sufficient attention to sports and physical activity, although 30% do not know how often or in what way sports and physical activity take place.

Parents indicate that primary schools pay less attention to sports and physical activity; 55% of parents consider this insufficient and would like to see it changed! It is often stated that there are only 1 or sometimes 2 physical education lessons per week and that there is little other physical activity. Parents whose children attend a school where sports and physical activity receive a lot of attention are therefore much more positive.

Some other noteworthy results

  • 51% of parents do not concern themselves with the importance of sports for their child’s development;
  • 68% of parents do not concern themselves with how many hours of physical activity their child needs per day;
  • 68% of parents are exploring which sport is suitable for their child;
  • 64% of parents are considering how and when their child can safely play outside.

In addition, the parents were shown texts from Opvoeden.nl, in which Kenniscentrum Sport is involved as an expert. The parents were asked to assess the information about sports and physical activity for toddlers and primary school children. Kenniscentrum Sport will use this feedback and other tips to improve the texts together with Stichting Opvoeden.nl.

Kenniscentrum Sport and Stichting Opvoeden.nl will work with the opportunities arising from these insights to ensure that parents are even better able to encourage their children to participate in sports and physical activity.

Curious about all the survey results?

About the National Parent Panel

The National Parent Panel was established in 2017 by Stichting Opvoeden.nl and Ouders & Onderwijs and has nearly 4,500 parents. Through short surveys and studies, they make their voices heard on parenting and education. Stichting Opvoeden.nl uses the research results to improve reliable parenting information for parents. At Stichtingopvoeden.nl/landelijkouderpanel you can find more information about the National Parent Panel and register.