Results From Finland’s 2026 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents

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Abstract
Background : Finland’s 2026 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents was prepared as a part of the Global Matrix 5.0 coordinated by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance. This paper summarizes the results gathered for the Report Card and provides grades for 10 indicators concerning the status and promotion of physical activity (PA) among Finnish school-aged children and adolescents. Methods : The most representative data of 10 indicators describing PA of 7–15-year-olds and its promotion in Finland was gathered. Based on the data, each indicator was assigned a letter grade (A–F) by a group of specialists using the harmonized grading rubric developed by Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance. Subgroup analyses were conducted for age, sex, gender identity, socioeconomic status, residence (urban vs rural), ethnicity, language of instruction at school, and children and adolescents with disabilities or chronic conditions. Results : The grades ranged from A+ to F. The highest grades (80%–100%) were assigned to Government (A+), Overall Physical Activity (A−), and School (A−). Active Transportation (B+), Community and Environment (B+), and Organized Sport (B−) received the second-highest grades (60%–79%). Family and Peers (C+), Active Play (C−), and Physical Fitness (C−) were classified within the midrange (40%–59%). Sedentary behavior was assigned the lowest grade (F, Conclusions : Children’s and adolescents’ PA is strongly promoted in Finland based on government, community, and school indicators. Although overall PA level is excellent, the notable existing disparities between subgroups highlight the need for actions that reach the least active individuals.

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