NSW schools will be approaching sports differently, with kids being able to opt out of competitive options.

The idea is to boost exercise participation by offering non-competitive sporting options.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard joins Chris Smith to explain the shakeup.

“My view… is get them out there doing things.

“What we know is that about 15% of adolescents don’t get to where they need to get to in terms of daily exercise.

“The research is now very clear, if you don’t get your exercise you’re in potentially deep trouble.”

Mr Hazzard says the changes will improve the health of young people as well as build their self-esteem.

“As a parent, as a dad, as a health minister…the biggest single problem we all have is to make sure kids self-esteem is actually developed.

“I’m very conscious as the Health Minister that we’ve got to work on self-esteem.”

Click PLAY for the full interview