Developing an active lifestyle for children considering the Saudi vision 2030: The family’s point of view

Abstract

Motivating children to lead a healthy and active lifestyle is a family mission and a responsibility shared by society. This study is important in developing the family’s role in promoting children’s active lifestyle. This study aims to develop the role of the family in promoting an active lifestyle for children in light of the Saudi vision 2030. The sample included 405 parents who filled out an online survey about their children aged 3–12 years. The results show families’ lack of interest in applying the WHO standards and the guidelines of the Saudi Ministry of Health regarding children’s regular daily physical activity. The families are reluctant to involve children in sports clubs. The parents desire to employ crews that enhance the movement and recreational activities of children in shopping centers and parks. The results also show that the presence of the father and mother together inside the house and their educational level have an impact on the effectiveness of the positive reinforcement of the active lifestyle of the children. To promote an active lifestyle for children, there is a need to determine why some families are hesitant to enroll their children in sports clubs. Additionally, there is a need to develop media and awareness campaigns for families in order to achieve the desired goals of developing an active lifestyle for children, which are approved by the WHO and Saudi Ministry of Health standards and are consistent with families’ low educational levels.