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The Turnbull Government wants to encourage younger Australian women to increase their physical activity after new research found teenage girls were only half as physically active as their male peers.
The #girlsmakeyourmove health promotion will include a series of TV advertising spots and a social media campaign, featuring girls getting active by being involved in physical activities or sports they enjoy.
Federal Minister for Health, Sussan Ley, said the campaign comes on the back of new research showing nearly 60 per cent of girls aged 15-to-17 reported undertaking little-to-no exercise or physical activity compared to one-third of boys.
“It aims to tackle this sliding door moment in a young woman’s life when they actually are laying down the foundation for the rest of their lives,” said Minister Ley. “Physical activity in the teenage years lays down the muscle and bone you need for the rest of your life. It’s a unique time as your body develops and the greatest opportunity to build up strength for your later years.”
“It will also help us to tackle a serious ‘epidemic’ of diseases and chronic conditions facing this current generation if they did not exercise more,” Ms Ley said.
“The research is telling us around the late primary to early high school age girls first engage in some form of physical activity within peer groups. And if that first experience is not enjoyable the idea of exercise and sport also can become a negative.”
“Yet we know, for girls, exercise and physical activity is the number one way to prevent illnesses later in life, like osteoporosis, which affects almost one quarter of all Australian women aged over 50.”
The social media campaign includes a website with activities and apps to get girls moving, as well as the personal stories of young women who are setting a good example for the campaign.
Ms Ley said there were a number of reasons why girls may be inactive, including lack of time, low confidence in their ability and a fear of being judged.
“I’ve been a teenage girl, and there’s everything from pimples, periods and other puberty blues through
to trying to ‘look cool’ and ‘fit in’ in your decision making when it comes to playing sport and exercising.a’
“When you’re a boy, it’s cool to be a sports hero and get all sweaty and dirty. I want girls to get that message too,” said Ms Ley.
“It doesn’t have to be intense exercise or even joining a team. Even moderate gentle exercise reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, colon cancer, obesity and even just minor injuries.”
“Regular forms of activity also help manage stress, alleviate depression and anxiety, strengthen self-esteem, enhance mood and boost mental alertness.”
For more information visit the website: www.australia.gov.au/girlsmove