Why is this a concern? And who is affected?

A key driver of childhood obesity in Australia is the global surge in electronic device use. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2022), 67% of children aged 5–12 exceed the recommended screen time limit of two hours per day. Screen time has not only become a primary source of entertainment but is now often used by busy parents as a method of distraction or supervision. With many households having both parents in full-time employment or managing shift work, there is often limited time available for physical supervision, preparing healthy meals, or encouraging active play. As a result, children are frequently left unsupervised with access to televisions, tablets, gaming consoles, and smartphones—contributing to prolonged sedentary behaviour.

Another risk factor compounding the issue is poor dietary habits, which often go hand-in-hand with screen time. The National Health Survey (2017–18) reported that 94% of children aged 5–14 do not meet the recommended daily intake of vegetables, often replacing nutrient-rich meals with ultra-processed, calorie-dense convenience foods. Busy schedules and time pressures often lead parents to rely on quick meal options, takeaway foods, or packaged snacks, which are typically high in sugar, fat, and salt. Furthermore, the marketing of such products through digital media platforms specifically targets children during screen time, normalising unhealthy food choices.

Physical inactivity also contributes significantly to rising obesity rates among young Australians. According to AIHW (2023), only 26% of children aged 5–14 met the recommended physical activity guidelines in the past year. As screen-based leisure activities replace outdoor play, many children fail to reach even 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. The convenience of indoor entertainment, limited access to green space, and safety concerns further reduce opportunities for movement—particularly in families where parents are unavailable to supervise after-school activities.

Certain population groups are particularly vulnerable to childhood obesity. Children from low socioeconomic backgrounds face greater risk due to limited access to fresh produce, reduced participation in organised sport, and the affordability of processed foods. These families may also lack access to health education and may live in neighbourhoods without safe outdoor environments. Additionally, Indigenous Australian children experience disproportionately higher rates of obesity, exacerbated by intergenerational health inequalities, financial hardship, and cultural barriers to accessing healthcare and nutritional guidance. The “Closing the Gap” report (2023) highlights that Indigenous children are more likely to experience food insecurity and reduced physical activity options compared to non-Indigenous peers.