Kulture Break launches “Unstoppable 24” Schools Movement Challenge as inactivity and poor mental health increases among Aussie kids

Primary and secondary school children are spending 6.34 recreational hours a day on screens, up from 4.24

70% of children aged 2–17 do not meet daily physical activity guidelines in Australia

Over 75% of mental health issues occur before the age of 25

Launching today, schools can register for a free week-long challenge from 7 - 11 September to encourage daily movement and support mental wellbeing

Youth wellbeing charity Kulture Break - which uses dance and movement to build resilience in young people - has today launched “Unstoppable 24” a free week-long school movement challenge in September, encouraging primary and secondary school students to complete 24 minutes of movement each day. The initiative is designed to help schools build belonging, boost learning readiness and strengthen resilience - without adding pressure to teachers.

Developed in response to rising inactivity and an alarming increase in screen time among young people, the initiative is designed to boost focus, confidence and wellbeing while also raising funds to support ongoing resources and resilience in schools.

Research from Macquarie University shows Australian primary and secondary school children now spend 6.34 recreational hours a day on screens - up from 4.24 hours in 2017 - highlighting a rapid shift in daily routines and a growing imbalance between screen time and active play. 

Concerningly,  screen‑heavy routines are reshaping children’s daily lives, reducing opportunities for movement, social interaction and restorative downtime. Children with clinical‑level gaming disorder experience developmental impacts four times higher than their peers, particularly in social, physical and emotional development, reinforcing the importance of early intervention, connection and healthy daily routines.

Leading psychologist, Dr Brad Marshall, said these patterns require urgent attention, particularly as children form lifelong habits in an increasingly digital world.

“It’s deeply concerning that primary‑aged children are spending more than six hours a day on screens, and aren’t meeting daily movement guidelines. We’re now seeing measurable developmental impacts - this is no longer a theoretical risk.

 

“When screen use replaces movement, social play and rest, children lose the daily rhythms that support emotional stability and learning. Short, structured movement breaks help restore this, giving students a reset point their brains and bodies urgently need,” he said.

Schools can register to take part in the challenge from today via www.unstoppable24mc.com From 7 - 11 September 2026, kids and teachers are encouraged to move for 24 minutes a day and raise just $24 each to help Kulture Break deliver evidence-based wellbeing programs in schools. Since 2002, Kulture Break has delivered Resilience Through Movement programs and resources which have reached more than 500,000 students nationally and internationally. 

Ambassador Michelle Bridges, who has spent more than two decades helping Australians build healthier habits, said Unstoppable 24 gives students a simple, uplifting way to feel better every day.

“Movement plays a crucial role in how young people feel - it can lift confidence, improve mood and strengthen social connection. When done with friends, it becomes more enjoyable, which helps it develop into a lasting habit. Unstoppable 24 is achievable, engaging and supports students to build routines that genuinely benefit their wellbeing. I’m proud to support a program that helps young people strengthen their confidence, connection and everyday wellbeing."

Francis Owusu, Kulture Break’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer believes the challenge offers schools a simple, uplifting way to support students at a time when many are feeling stretched and disconnected. His vision is to empower one million “Unstoppable” students across Australia by 2030 to prioritise their wellbeing, stay active together and build lasting resilience habits.

“Unstoppable 24 is about more than exercise, it’s about giving students a daily anchor in a world that’s moving faster than they are. When young people build a habit of movement, even for 24 minutes, we see shifts in connection, confidence, and resilience. It’s a simple intervention with a profound ripple effect across classrooms, families and communities,” he says. 

Schools across Australia are encouraged to register for free, raise funds and join the movement to help young people feel unstoppable. Every school that signs up receives ready-to-use resources, engaging activities and exciting prizes. It’s plug-and-play for teachers to run and fun and rewarding for students.

For more information visit www.unstoppable24mc.com