For generations, there was an expectation that children would spend their free time playing outdoors, developing friendships, and exploring their neighbourhoods without direct parental supervision. However, in recent decades we have seen a dramatic decline in the independent mobility of children. A worrying consequence of this shift is that Canadian society is now facing a physical inactivity crisis among children and youth. What is driving these changes and how can we reverse this trend?

On September 18, 2019, we presented the premiere screening of Running Free: Children’s Independent Mobility, produced by Professor Guy Faulkner of UBC’s School of Kinesiology. Told through the eyes of three families, this 26-minute documentary explores the concept of children’s independent mobility, the benefits for children’s mental health, and challenges viewers to consider solutions to this issue. Following the screening there was a panel discussion about the film’s themes. To watch the documentary, visit www.alumni.ubc.ca/running

This program took place on September 18, 2019, at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre on UBC’s Vancouver campus.

Host

Guy Faulkner – Professor, School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia; Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Public Health Agency of Canada Chair (CIHR-PHAC) in Applied Public Health

Moderator

Shiral Tobin – Director of Journalism and Programming, CBC British Columbia

Panelists

Adrian Crook – Senior Digital Strategist and Civic Advocate; Founder, 5Kids1Condo.com

Mariana Brussoni, MA’96, PhD’00 – Developmental Psychologist; Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics and the School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia

Negin Riazi – Doctoral Candidate, School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia

Robyn Pitman – Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of British Columbia; Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Marriage and Family Therapist

Presented in partnership with UBC School of Kinesiology. Supported by UBC Faculty of Arts and BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit. UBC Dialogues presenting sponsor is Scotiabank®. Official broadcast and online media partner is CBC.