Children's Peer Relations and Children's Physical Activity

Abstract

Peers have an impact on children's physical activity (PA) in day care. To obtain the whole picture of children's physical activities we need to study the PA design of children and their peers. The activities of 838 children, including the PA level, were observed using systematic sampling. Children's skills were evaluated. The level of the children's PA tended to be lower if they had weaker social contacts with their peers. The children that were physically active sought each other's company. In company with a more independent and self-directive peer, the children tended to be less physically active.