The 2015 Participaction report card on physical activity for children has been published and the Portage la Prairie School Division is taking a good look at it. Assistant Superintendent Mike Mauws explains the message the report is sending to parents and schools.

"It really has an emphasis on getting kids outdoors and involved in play and letting them have a chance at taking some of the inherent risks that come with play because there is a tenancy at times to be a little bit overprotective of kids when they are outside. We put so many restrictions in place that they are not really allowed to run around and play as they should. "

Mauws notes the report is all about awareness and educating parents as well as educators.

"Really, it's more of an awareness and emphasis about the amount of time that kids spend indoors and really encouraging kids and parent to get their children outside and be active. Also, to do some of the activities and spend more time outside like their parents did. I think that's what the real emphasis of that particular report is."

Mauws notes the school division will continue to encourage physical activity and time outdoors for their students as they always have.