Which environmental factor has been linked to increased physical activity in children?

The link between friendship dynamics and increased physical activity in children is well-supported by research. When children have friends who are physically active, they tend to engage in more physical activities themselves. This social influence can be attributed to several factors, including peer motivation, the sharing of interests, and the formation of active playgroups. Friendship dynamics encourage cooperative games and activities, making exercise more enjoyable and less of a chore.

Conversely, urban sprawl tends to create environments that are less conducive to physical activity due to longer distances to safe recreation areas. While televisions can encourage sedentary behavior, their role is primarily negative concerning activity levels. The option of "something else" is too vague to directly link to any specific environmental factor that fosters increased physical activity in children, thus making friendship dynamics the clear choice for promoting active lifestyles among peers.