Children and teenagers in Helsinki are moving more than they did eight years ago, but new research shows widening gaps between social groups, with family income and immigrant background linked to lower activity levels among some young people.<\/p>\n
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A study published by the City of Helsinki found that regular physical activity among children and teenagers increased between 2017 and 2025. More young people now exercise for at least one hour a day, while the share of those with little physical activity has fallen.<\/p>\n
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The findings are based on Finland\u2019s School Health Promotion Study, carried out by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.<\/p>\n
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The report found progress across all population groups in Helsinki. At the same time, differences linked to gender, economic background and family origin have either remained unchanged or grown stronger.<\/p>\n
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Girls with foreign backgrounds were identified as the group least likely to exercise regularly. Boys, regardless of background, were more likely to reach the recommended level of daily movement.<\/p>\n
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The strongest divide was linked to family finances.<\/p>\n
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Young people who described their family\u2019s financial situation as \u201cvery good\u201d were significantly more active than those who viewed their economic situation as weaker. Researchers said those differences had grown in some areas since 2017.<\/p>\n
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According to the report, family background explained most differences in exercise habits, while schools and neighbourhoods had only a limited effect on activity levels in Helsinki.<\/p>\n
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Researcher Suvi M\u00e4\u00e4tt\u00e4 from Helsinki City Executive Office said the findings show that economic inequality continues to shape daily life for many children and teenagers.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThis result confirms that socioeconomic background does not only explain how common physical activity is, but also maintains differences between population groups,\u201d M\u00e4\u00e4tt\u00e4 said in the statement.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWithout measures that reduce socioeconomic inequality, these differences will probably remain.\u201d<\/p>\n
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