Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Screen Time Amongst Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Australian Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Studies

Abstract

Objectives

This scoping review synthesised evidence on the prevalence of, and factors influencing, physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), and screen time (ST) among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) children and adolescents in Australia.

Methods

Five databases were searched in May 2025. Eligible studies examined prevalence and factors influencing PA, SB and ST among CALD youth. Quantitative data were summarised descriptively. Qualitative findings were synthesised thematically using the socio-ecological model.

Results

Twenty-six studies (11 quantitative, 15 qualitative) were included. Quantitative findings showed that CALD youth generally had lower PA and ST than their peers; some groups reported higher SB. There was diversity across cultures, with each group facing unique factors influencing movement behaviours. PA barriers included cultural and gender norms, academic priorities, safety concerns and limited facilities, while facilitators included PA enjoyment, peer/parental support, and school-based opportunities. For SB and ST, facilitators of more ST included enjoyment, stress relief, lack of alternatives, social connections and safety concerns, while barriers included parental awareness of harms and imposed restrictions.

Conclusions

CALD youth face culturally specific barriers to increasing PA and reducing SB, with limited research on ST determinants.