A new partnership is being launched to provide science-based health messaging to help improve health and educational outcomes from birth to age 18.
Scotland Moves, an initiative led by the University of Strathclyde and Inspiring Scotland, will provide evidence-based briefings for policymakers and practical guidance on physical activity for parents, healthcare professionals and educators.
The collaboration follows a recent survey which found that only half of Scottish health professionals were aware of national physical activity guidelines for school-aged children and young people. A study led by Strathclyde in 2024 found that awareness of physical activity guidelines for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers was even lower.
John J Reilly, Professor of Physical Activity and Public Health Science at the University of Strathclyde, said:
“It’s never too early to promote healthy behaviours. The evidence shows we need to start in the earliest years of life and ensure that parents, professionals and policymakers all have access to clear, trustworthy information.”
Dr Farid Bardid, from the Department of Physical Activity & Health at Strathclyde, added:
“There is a clear need to take a different approach. Scotland Moves will provide education and evidence-based guidance for families, health and education policymakers and practitioners – an investment in healthier childhoods, better educational outcomes and improved health throughout life.”
