Physical activity is crucial for child development and lays the foundation for a healthy and active life. Children are becoming overweight and obese due to poor dietary choices and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, leading to physical, social and behavioral health problems. High-calorie foods and increased indoor activities, like watching TV or playing video games, are fueling this epidemic of unhealthy lifestyles. Increasing physical activity during childhood (8 to 12 years) is a crucial element in confronting and preventing this crisis, and it is believed that schools, in collaboration with teachers, have an important role in play in its promotion. Research has shown that obesity has increased over the years. over the past 20 years in Australian children aged 7 to 16 years. Poor diet and lack of physical activity are considered to be the main causes (NSW Health/SPANS, 2006). Overweight or obese children are likely to suffer from serious social and behavioral problems (i.e., bullying and teasing at school), as well as poor physical fitness, body image problems, increased prevalence type 2 diabetes, heat intolerance, shortness of breath on exercise, fatigue, flat feet and sleep problems leading to academic difficulties (Covic et al, 2007). Several studies have also suggested that cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle behaviors extend from childhood and adolescence to adulthood (Shilton and Naughton, 2001). Regular physical activity in middle childhood has a positive effect on all stages of their development. Physical exercise helps develop and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, improve posture, balance and flexibility, improve coordination skills as well as develop effective heart and lung function. It also benefits the child's social skills,...... middle of paper...... Strategies (4-7), 2007. ISBN-13 978 0 7307 4208 1. Retrieved from http:// www.det .wa.edu.au/curriculumsupport/physicalactivity/detcms/navigation/teaching-and-learning-support/fundamental-game-strategies--4-7-/?page=2&tab=Main#toc2Western Australia. Department of Education and Training, Educational framework: Learning statement for physical education and health, NEW Choosing an active transport resource. March 2011. Retrieved from http://www.det.wa.edu.au/curriculumsupport/physicalactivity/detcms/navigation/teaching-and-learning-support/choose-active-transport--k-7-/?oid= NewsItem-id-11402352World Health Organization, (2011). Global strategy on diet, physical activity and health. Physical activity and young people. Recommended physical activity levels for children ages 5 to 17. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_young_people/en/