2022 French Report Card on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in Children and Youth: From Continuous Alarming Conclusions to Encouraging Initiatives

Abstract

Background: Scientific evidence and public health reports keep highlighting the continuous and alarming worldwide progression of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors in children and adolescents. The present paper summarizes findings from the 2022 French Report Card (RC) on physical activity for children and youth and compares them to the 2016, 2018, and 2020 RCs. Methods: The 2022 edition of the French RC follows the standardized methodology established by the Active Healthy Kids Global Matrix. Ten physical activity indicators have been evaluated and graded based on the best available evidence coming from national surveys, peer-reviewed literature, government and nongovernment reports, and online information. The evaluation was also performed in children and adolescents with disabilities. Indicators were graded from A (high level of evidence) to F (very low level of evidence) or INC for incomplete. Results: The evaluated indicators received the following grades: overall physical activity: D−; organized sport participation and physical activity: C; active play: F; active transportation: C; sedentary behaviors: D−; family and peers: D; physical fitness: C; school: C−; community and the built environment: F; government: B. Conclusions: While this 2022 French RC shows progression for 7 out of the 10 indicators considered, it also underlines the continuous need for actions at the local, regional, and national levels to develop better surveillance systems and favor a long-term improvement of youth movement behaviors.