Australia’s Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Children (5-12 Years)

Being physically active is good for kids’ health, and creates opportunities for making new friends and developing physical and social skills. These Guidelines are for all children aged 5-12 years who have started school, irrespective of cultural background, gender or ability.

Australia’s Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Children (5-12 Years)

Being physically active is good for kids’ health, and creates opportunities for making new friends and developing physical and social skills. These Guidelines are for all children aged 5-12 years who have started school, irrespective of cultural background, gender or ability.

PA Guidelines 5-12 Years

Physical Activity Recommendations

  • For health benefits, children aged 5–12 years should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity every day.
  • Children’s physical activity should include a variety of aerobic activities, including some vigorous intensity activity.
  • On at least three days per week, children should engage in activities that strengthen muscle and bone.
  • To achieve additional health benefits, children should engage in more activity, up to several hours per day.

Sedentary Behaviour Recommendations

To reduce health risks, children aged 5-12 years should minimise the time they spend being sedentary every day. To achieve this:

  • Limit use of electronic media for entertainment (e.g. television, seated electronic games and computer use) to no more than two hours a day – lower levels are associated with reduced health risks.
  • Break up long periods of sitting as often as possible.

Resources

Tips and Ideas for Children 5-12 Years
This document provides ideas to encourage physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour for children.
Fact Sheet for Children 5-12 Years
This fact sheet provides information on the physical activity and sedentary behaviour recommendations for children.
Physical Activity Guideline Brochure for Children 5-12 Years
This brochure provides information and tips for children to moving more and sitting less.