Walking to School App to Change Routines

Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety, Senator Catryna Bilyk, welcomed the release of a new app to promote walking to school in the lead-up to Walk Safely to School Day 2013.

The ‘Walk Safely to School Day App’, available for both Apple and Android phones, allows children and their parents to map their walks to and from school, track the kilometres they walk, and the time it takes.

“Walking to and from school is a great way for children and their parents to spend time together doing a healthy activity”, said Senator Bilyk.

“This app allows children and their parents to track the time and distance they spend walking, and aims to increase the time that they spend walking as part of their daily routines”.

Schools and classes can use the app to add a competitive element to student’s daily routine.

“Schools and classes can use the data from the app to create ‘Leader Boards’ which allow students to compete against their own times, as well as the times of their classmates, and other classes,” said Senator Bilyk.

Walk Safely to School Day is held annually across Australia to encourage primary school children and their parents to enjoy the benefits of walking to school.

“It is great to see new app technologies being used to promote healthy activities for children. This is just one example of how apps can make a positive contribution to people’s lifestyle choices,” said Senator Bilyk.

To download the App go to the iTunes App store or the Google Play store and search for WSTSD or Walk Safely to School Day.

More information on Walk Safely to School Day can be found on the event’s website at: www.walk.com.au
Senator Catryna Bilyk Labor Senator for Tasmania Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety