Healthcare experts call for bold national action to tackle children’s inactivity crisis

The Class of 2035 Commission, convened by Youth Sport Trust and bringing together leading voices from across healthcare to address growing challenges in children’s health and wellbeing, has published it's most recent 2026 edition of their report and vision for change.

Building on the charity’s previously published Class of 2035 report, which warned of the long-term consequences of declining physical activity levels, the Commission was chaired by former global Chief Medical Officer of Bupa Group, Dr Paula Franklin, and comprised of health experts spanning general practice, paediatrics, public health, mental health and research. The Commission’s report highlights the increasingly visible impact of inactivity in clinical settings, with professionals reporting rising levels of anxiety, poor physical development, musculoskeletal issues and chronic conditions among children and young people.

The report sets out six key recommendations to government, education and healthcare leaders:

• Raise awareness of the UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidance for children among healthcare professionals.
• Strengthen and expand the social prescribing pathway for children and young people.
• Deliver a minimum amount of physical activity within every school and early years setting.
• Increase skills and competence for staff in the PE and School Sport Network.
• Implement a national wellbeing measurement programme for children and young people.
• Create a national, cross-government Children and Young People’s Physical Activity Strategy.

Collectively, these actions are designed to better align health, education and community systems, ensuring children are supported to be active as part of everyday life.

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