KIDSWalking more reduces teenagers' mental health problems.
Is this true? Make your call, then see what the science says.
Short answer: It depends. The evidence is mixed.
Being active is linked to better mental health in young people, and walking helps adults. But walking itself has hardly been tested in teenagers, so we can't say that walking more reduces their mental health problems.
AI-generated summary of the research cited · not reviewed by a medical professional · checked 13 October 2026 · How we checkWhat the research found
A 2024 review pooled 75 randomised trials (8636 people) and found walking significantly reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in adults. Only one trial in adolescents was found, and it was left out of the pooled results. So the strongest walking evidence isn't about teens.
For young people, reviews have looked at physical activity more broadly. A 2023 review covered 21 studies with 2441 participants, average age 14, testing physical activity programs for depressive symptoms. A 2019 review looked at activity and mental health from preschool to age 18. Neither is specifically about walking.
Australian guidance says daily activity brings benefits for young people, including lower anxiety and stress. It lists walking to school and walking the dog as light activity. Children's hospital fact sheets say staying active is good for teens' physical and mental health, and count fast walking as moderate activity.
What it doesn’t mean
- This doesn't mean walking is harmful or useless for teens. It means no one has clearly shown that walking alone reduces mental health problems in this age group.
- Walking is one way to meet general activity advice. Guidance suggests teens aim for an average of one hour of moderate to vigorous activity a day, and some activity is better than none.
- If your teenager has ongoing low mood, anxiety or changes in sleep or behaviour, see your GP. Exercise is not a substitute for assessment or treatment.
Sources
General information only, not medical advice. KIDS fact-checks are generated by AI from published research and are not reviewed by doctors or other health professionals. They can be wrong or out of date. Always talk to your GP or child’s doctor about your child, and call 000 in an emergency. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
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