The activities are being held during school breaktimes and after school to boost activity levels among pupils.

The scheme is run by the government, the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association, lunchtime supervisors and Life Education.

It is hoped the skipping will encourage a life-long commitment to exercise and staying healthy.

Lesley Dorward, director of health promotion, said: "There are many benefits to skipping and it is no coincidence that professional sports people use skipping as part of their usual training routine."

Carole Cowin, vice-chairman of the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association, said physical activity reduced risk factors associated with some cancers, heart disease, strokes, diabetes and obesity.