New Change4Life campaign to mark start of school year

The government has launched Smart Restart, its latest Change4Life healthy living campaign, to coincide with the start of the new school year.

It will encourage families to establish healthier habits as children return to their studies for the new term, such as walking to school, incorporating additional bursts of activity during the day and making sure youngsters eat a healthy school lunch.

The Smart Restart campaign will be backed by TV, radio and online advertising, digital tools such as a children's website, email and text support and a mobile app, and various partnership and public relations activities.

Ann Hoskins, director for children, young people and families at Public Health England, said: "People are much more likely to establish a healthy new routine if they make one small change at a time – and Smart Restart will make this simple, fun and easy to achieve."

It is estimated that more than half a million people have got involved in Change4Life since the initiative launched in 2009.