iSeven

1Seven - A national health and wellbeing program for Australian children

Australian children today are far less likely than children of previous generations to play outdoors or walk or cycle to destinations.¹

There is also evidence that Australian children’s intake of energy has increased. As a result, Australian children are becoming heavier. The number of children who are overweight or obese has jumped dramatically in the past few decades, with studies showing 26.1 per cent of boys and 23.7 per cent of girls are overweight or obese.²

Problems such as poor body image, low self-esteem and poor eating habits are frequent among these children and a range of associated health problems can develop. Type 2 diabetes, which is normally found in adults, is becoming increasingly prevalent in this group.

The 1Seven program aims to communicate a simple, but important message: encourage children (5 to 12-year-olds) to participate in at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity and eat seven serves of fruit and vegetables (five serves of vegetables and two of fruit) every day.

Our basic message is: Move More. Eat Well.

Encouraging children to become more active and improve their nutrition will promote improved health and reduce the risk of poor health later in life.

Key Partners

Program partners, the Australian Football League and Netball Australia, have combined to promote and deliver the 1Seven message and activities. The program design and implementation is supported by health and wellbeing organisation, fitness2live.

The 1Seven Mission

• To promote healthy behaviours that will lead to improved physical activity levels and better health in children by encouraging  children to become more active and make smart food choices.
  
• To encourage physical activity habits and values that will keep people active throughout their lives.
• To create strong community awareness of introductory sporting programs for children, such as NAB AFL Auskick and Netball Australia Net Set GO!
• To increase awareness of the prevalence of obesity among children in Australia and the contributing factors.

What does 1Seven offer?

Resources for schools, classrooms, homes and communities:

• An interactive website with resources for students, teachers, parents and carers.
• A website that is easy to use and includes articles, interactive learning games and free lesson plans.
• Competitions and incentives for getting involved.

Target participants

Primary school children, their parents and carers, teachers and schools

Children

1Seven promotes healthy food choices and physical activity. Some activities will include:

• Fun, curriculum-based lessons highlighting the importance of physical activity and healthy eating.
• Competitions, stories and interactive games on the 1Seven website.

Parents

1Seven offers parents practical assistance, including:

• Healthy-eating guides to help with the daily task of filling lunch boxes.
• Online resources that offer guidance for parents on how to be healthy role models for their children and how families can lead healthier lifestyles.
  
• Physical activity and nutrition sheets made available in various languages
• Information about getting involved in introductory sporting programs, such as NAB AFL Auskick and Net Set GO!

Teachers and Schools

1Seven offers teachers and schools practical resources, including:

• Free web-based lessons (Prep/Reception/Kindergarten, Grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6), which incorporate practical and theoretical activities. These lessons are mapped to State and Territory education and learning standards requirements, making it easy to integrate 1Seven lessons into curriculum planning.
• Access to articles based on health-related issues.
• Monthly newsletter with updates, news, competitions, announcements and articles.
• Competitions and incentives for participation.

Incentives and rewards program

1Seven offers a range of competitions and rewards to promote the move more, eat well message and encourage schools, teachers and students to get involved . From March to November schools will be randomly selected from each state from the online registration list. The selected schools will win a sports kit for their school containing football and netball equipment.

1Seven website

The website changes regularly with updated content including easy-to-read, informative articles for parents, teachers and children, and fun activities and games for children.

How can you be a part of 1Seven?

Parents and kids can visit the website regularly for ideas on how to Move More and Eat Well.

Teachers can register for regular updates and the chance to win great prizes. To register visit the Schools section of the website here.