Research by Palacký University Olomouc highlights that schoolchildren in the city encounter more than 500 risky locations on their way to school while failing to meet recommended daily physical activity levels.
The study, conducted with support from the Olomouc City Hall, collected data from 1,050 children using interactive maps and questionnaires. Students identified hazards such as unsafe crossings, high-traffic streets, and areas with potential disturbances. Only 4% of reported issues were deemed unsolvable, with many already addressed by authorities.
Additionally, the movement of 200 eighth-grade students was monitored for a week using wearable devices. On average, children engaged in just 45 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day, below the World Health Organization’s recommended 60 minutes, although sleep duration averaged around eight hours.
Researchers emphasized that involving children in identifying risks and suggesting solutions empowers them and provides valuable insights for urban planning. The findings were also presented at an international conference in New Zealand.
Source: Palacký University Olomouc
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