New physical activity opinion survey demonstrates perceptions do not me...( ational state and local initiatives to...)

NASPE Executive Director Judith C. Young, Ph.D. questioned the participants recording of their screen time. " While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report teens watching more than five hours of television viewing per day, the adults and teenagers said they watched 2.2 hours of television per day and spent another two hours a day using a personal computer for Internet browsing, chat rooms, games, and school research," said Dr. Young.

Teenagers admit to spending the "majority of their downtime" on a personal computer.

• The majority of parents feel that television (42%) and computers or video games (41%) are the largest barriers to their child's physical activity.
• Lack of interest or motivation (29%), too much homework (28%), and lack of access to safe facilities (21%) are other reasons for inactive daily routines.

Perceived Benefits of Physical Education

Nationwide, while only 51.7% of students are enrolled in a physical education class, the majority of adults (84%) with children ages 6-17 have a positive perception about their child's physical education classes. Nearly three-fourths believe that physical activity and physical education will support learning in other subject areas, such as math, reading or science. Adults also believe physical education makes children more alert/aware; focus better; increases energy; learns how to work with others, reduces stress and helps make the children healthier.

While nearly 79% of parents feel that their own attitudes towards physical activity and physical education affect their child's attitude, more than half of teenagers say their parents' attitudes are not important in influencing their attitudes toward physical activity (56%) and physical education (64%).

• Teens selected friends (56%) as the best source to help them be more active, follow
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