Vietnam Health Ministry urges 180 minutes daily activity for children aged 1‑5, limits screen time

The Ministry of Health in Vietnam issued new guidelines recommending that children aged 1 to under 5 engage in at least 180 minutes of physical activity each day. For infants under 1 year the minimum is 30 minutes of movement such as tummy time, crawling and early walking. Children from 1 to under 3 years should aim for as much activity as possible, with a floor of 180 minutes. Those aged 3 to under 5 must also reach 180 minutes, including at least 60 minutes of moderate‑to‑vigorous exercise like walking, running, swimming, jumping rope or playing ball games.

Screen time is to be limited to a maximum of one hour per day for children under 5, with younger toddlers encouraged to avoid television and mobile phones altogether. The guidance also recommends 60 minutes of daily exercise for youths aged 5‑17, with at least three days a week of stronger intensity activity. Parents are advised to supervise play, avoid prolonged sitting in strollers or car seats, and replace screen time with reading, storytelling or active outdoor play.