The Child Lifestyle Ecosystem Framework (CLEF): An Integrative Ecological Framework for Understanding Childhood Lifestyle Behaviors and Health Across the Life Course

Healthy lifestyle behaviors established during childhood shape health trajectories across the lifespan. Although considerable evidence supports the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and limited sedentary behavior, interventions targeting these behaviors often yield modest and short-term effects. This perspective argues that childhood health promotion should move beyond individual behavior change toward an ecological framework integrating family, school, community, healthcare, and digital environments. We discuss how social determinants of health, socioeconomic inequalities, mental well-being, and digital technologies interact to influence children’s lifestyle behaviors. We also highlight the growing role of artificial intelligence, wearable technologies, and personalized health promotion in supporting healthier lifestyles while emphasizing ethical and equity considerations. Finally, we propose priorities for future research, policy development, and multidisciplinary interventions that recognize children as active participants within interconnected social systems. This perspective aims to stimulate discussion on innovative strategies capable of generating sustainable improvements in child health.