Pedometers to be given to deprived area schools

A £494,000 scheme will be giving over 45,000 pedometers to those children who attend 250 primary schools in deprived areas of England in an attempt to tackle the obesity problem.  A special website has also to be setup that will chart their progress and sets targets for their number of steps.

A scheme in 50 pilot schools showed 63% of children who took part had an increased interest in physical activity in their school. The Schools Minister, Jim Knight, said:

"Walking is one of the easiest ways to exercise and pedometers can make it more fun for children. Schools are already increasing children's activity levels by boosting the opportunities to take part in PE and school sport.  Pedometers can be especially effective in encouraging young people to be active out of school hours and at weekends."