Why Today’s Kids Move Less

Growing up in Africa, childhood was naturally active. Many of us walked long distances to school, fetched water, ran errands for our parents, and played outside until the sun went down. Life itself created movement. There was no need for anyone to remind us to exercise because our daily routine already demanded it. I still remember trekking several kilometres every day to school, sometimes under the hot sun, sometimes through dusty paths, yet it helped build strength, endurance, and resilience without us even realising it.

Today, things have changed so quickly that it feels almost unreal. Screens have replaced playgrounds. Processed food has replaced the fresh meals many of us grew up eating. Even here in Africa, where natural lifestyles once gave children a strong physical foundation, we now see the same trends affecting kids in urban and rural areas alike. What used to be a normal form of physical activity has now become something people pay for in the gym.

One surprising but sad reality is how deeply parents and society shape these habits without noticing. Many parents, out of love, say, “I don’t want my children to go through what I went through.” They remember the long walks to school and see it only as suffering, not realising it was part of what kept them healthy and strong. Instead of finding a balance, they move to the extreme, driving children everywhere, limiting simple outdoor play, and offering gadgets as comfort.

Another major issue is the glorification of fast food. What used to be an occasional treat is now seen as normal daily food. Many homes have replaced freshly prepared meals with processed snacks and quick fixes. The problem with this change is that the damage is slow and silent. You may not see the effects immediately, but over time, unhealthy habits pile up, leading to obesity, weak immunity, poor posture, and even emotional issues.

Society also plays a huge role. Modern life, with its screens, long distances, unsafe roads, and tight schedules, naturally limits the movement of children. But while we focus on protecting children from physical harm, we often overlook the hidden harm caused by inactivity. A child who does not move enough grows into an adult with preventable health problems. A child who does not eat well may struggle in ways that only become obvious years later.

This is why encouraging healthy habits early is one of the greatest gifts we can offer the next generation. It doesn’t require anything complicated. Simple routines, like walking short distances, playing outdoors, eating freshly prepared meals, limiting screen time, and teaching children to value movement, can make a big difference. Parents do not need to recreate the hardship of the past, but they can bring back the healthy practices that made that past meaningful.

Childhood sets the foundation for the future. And helping children stay active, strong, and healthy today is an investment that will shape the adults they become tomorrow.