16 Apr How Active Families Build Happier, Healthier Teens
New research shows exercising as a family boosts teens’ physical and mental wellbeing
Movement is medicine – especially when it’s shared
From a kick in the park to weekend bike rides, new research from the University of South Australia highlights a simple but powerful truth: teens who exercise with their families enjoy better mental and physical health.
The international study, in partnership with Canada’s CHEO Research Institute, found that teens who were active with their families were:
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Twice as likely to meet the recommended 60+ minutes of physical activity each day
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More likely to stick to healthy screen time limits (under two hours a day)
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Far more likely to report good mental health, including higher life satisfaction and lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression
Crucially, the more often families exercised together, the stronger the health benefits.
Yet despite the benefits, most teens are falling short. World Health Organization data shows 80% of teenagers aren’t getting enough daily movement – and one in five spends over four hours a day on screens just for gaming.
Make the most of the holidays – and move as a family
Dr Justin Lang, Adjunct Professor with UniSA and the Public Health Agency of Canada, says encouraging teens to move more doesn’t need to be complicated.
“Regular movement is great for both the body and mind. But with so many teens glued to screens, it’s easy for inactivity to become the norm,” says Dr Lang.
“Our study shows that when families get active together, everyone wins. Teens who exercise with their parents not only move more, they feel better too – mentally and emotionally.”
The research, based on over 8000 Canadian teenagers aged 12–17, shows a clear link between shared family exercise and improved wellbeing.
Co-researcher Dr JP Chaput from CHEO agrees: “Moving together helps build emotional bonds, boosts confidence, and acts as a buffer against mental health challenges. Even small, shared moments of movement – a walk, a kick of the ball, a dance in the living room – can have a lasting impact.”
So whether it’s a hike, a game of backyard footy, or just a walk with the dog, the Easter holidays are a perfect time to get out, get active, and build healthier habits together.
