A paediatric specialist is playing down ACC claims too much sport is harming children.

There’s been a 60 percent surge in sports-related injuries for 10 to 14 year olds, since 2008.

Professor Wayne Cutfield says it's not clear which are sports-related or from overuse.

"We know that less tan 10 per cent of teens manage the recommended activity levels each week."

Cutfield says ACC's findings shouldn't deter parents from getting children into sport.

He says it's better to find ways to manage how injuries occur, and the statistics need more context.

"The vast majority of our children simply don't play enough sport, and need to be encouraged to do so."

Cutfield questions whether the statistics consist of mainly preventable injuries, such as those from contact sports.

• Calls to curb kids' sports activities as injuries surge