Children's perceptions of physical literacy: exploring meaning, value, and capabilities for lifelong physical activity

Bingham, DD, Morris, JL, Lewis, K, Foweather, L, Goss, H, O’Brien, W, Essiet, I, Roberts, WM, Hurter, L, Shearer, C, Barnett, LM, Duncan, MJ and Daly-Smith, A (2025) Children's perceptions of physical literacy: exploring meaning, value, and capabilities for lifelong physical activity. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7.

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Abstract

Introduction: The concept of physical literacy has been defined differently across the world. To create a consensus statement and definition of physical literacy for England, it was felt important to incorporate the views and opinions of children and young people who are often the focus of interventions to increase physical activity and physical literacy. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand what physical literacy means to children by exploring their perceptions of meaningful physical activity and what they think will be needed to continue to be active for life. Methods: Through a series of directed tasks and thematic analysis, several important considerations are discussed. These included the pertinence of social relationships-whether it was to share experiences, support and encourage friends, or learn from your family. Results and Discussion: Children discussed how physical activity positively affects their emotions and the importance of enjoyment in continuing to engage in movement for the rest of their lives. In addition, there was an awareness of the benefits for mental and physical health, which indicated the prominence of knowing these benefits in engaging. The findings offer some important contributions from children to better understand what physical literacy means in England.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	4207 Sports science and exercise
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Frontiers Media
Date of acceptance:	17 April 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	15 May 2025
Date Deposited:	15 May 2025 13:59
Last Modified:	15 May 2025 14:15
DOI or ID number:	10.3389/fspor.2025.1548546
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26361

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