Canada Reports Promising Early Childhood Activity and Sleep Habits, Yet Screen Time Poses Challenges

A first-of-its-kind national assessment focusing on children under the age of five in Canada reveals that while many youngsters are maintaining healthy physical activity and sleep routines, digital screen time remains a significant hurdle. Led by researchers at the University of Alberta, ParticipACTION’s 2026 Report Card on Physical Activity for the Early Years provides a comprehensive look at movement behaviors among the nation’s youngest population.

According to the findings, 67% of young children met the established physical activity recommendations, and 80% successfully met the sleep guidelines outlined in the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years. However, the data highlights a stark contrast when it comes to sedentary digital habits. Fewer than half of the surveyed children—specifically 48%—met the recommended screen time limits. Overall, just 25% of the children met all three combined recommendations for physical activity, sleep, and screen time.

Dr. Valerie Carson, a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation at the University of Alberta and the chief scientific officer who led the development of the report card, noted the mixed results. She emphasized that while the high rates of physical activity and adequate sleep are encouraging, the rising challenge of screen time requires targeted action to ensure children achieve a balanced lifestyle crucial for early development.

Understanding the Guidelines and Developmental Impacts

The Canadian movement guidelines outline specific daily targets according to age groups:

• Babies under the age of one should receive 12 to 17 hours of sleep, including naps, along with at least 30 minutes of daily tummy time.
• Toddlers aged one to two need 11 to 14 hours of sleep and a minimum of 180 minutes of physical activity spread throughout the day.
• Preschoolers aged three to four require 10 to 13 hours of sleep and at least 180 minutes of physical activity, which must include at least one hour of energetic play.
• Children between the ages of two and four should be restricted to no more than one hour of sedentary screen time daily, while children under two should have no screen exposure.

Dr. Carson explained that fostering these positive movement behaviors early in life is vital. Supporting young children in staying active, reducing sedentary habits, and getting sufficient rest helps build a robust physiological and cognitive foundation. These habits aid in speech development, muscle growth, brainpower, and emotional health, ultimately establishing patterns for lifelong wellness.

Disparities in Access and Opportunities

Despite the positive baseline metrics, the assessment underscores significant disparities regarding where and how children can play. The report demonstrates that children residing in lower-income households often experience reduced access to local recreation facilities, playgrounds, parks, and green spaces. Furthermore, children from lower-income families, rural areas, and racial and ethnic minority populations were less frequently enrolled in structured physical activities like soccer or swimming lessons.

The data reveals that while 41% of young children participate in structured programs, only 22% of Canadian communities feature a formal strategy dedicated to physical activity and sport. To address these gaps, the report points to the nation’s child care system as a key public health resource.

Opportunities for Improvement in Early Childhood Settings

The assessment evaluated how early childhood education environments support healthy movement. While 78% of these child care settings provide adequate access to facilities and movement equipment, only 53% offer professional development and specialized training for educators concerning physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep management.

The report’s authors suggest that expanding educator training and addressing community-level disparities can foster a more equitable environment. Dr. Carson noted that addressing physical inactivity is also a matter of broader economic and public health importance, pointing out that physical inactivity costs Canada approximately $3.9 billion annually in avoidable health care expenditures. Collaborative efforts among governments, health care professionals, educators, community planners, and families will be essential to help young children cultivate lifelong healthy habits.