LIFESTYLE NEWS - Studies show that adults who are physically active have a lower risk of developing depression. Now a new study proves that children receive the same benefit.

Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and NTNU Social Research followed hundreds of children over four years to see if they could find a link between physical activity and depression.

Healthy play
Almost 800 children were examined when they were six years-old and conducted follow-up examinations with about 700 of them when they were eight and 10 years-old.

Physical activity was measured with accelerometers (a kind of advanced pedometer) and parents were interviewed about their children's mental health.

Physically active six- and eight-year-olds showed fewer symptoms of depression when they were examined two years later.

The message to parents is that limiting children's TV or iPad screen time is not enough; you need to facilitate physical activity. Try going for regular bike rides or playing outside with your kids.