Screens are now a daily part of life, used in homes, classrooms, and even social settings. While technology has incredible educational and creative potential, excessive screen use—especially in young children—can lead to developmental, social, and emotional challenges.
Let’s explore what screen time actually is, what the research says, and how we can work together to create healthy digital habits for our kids.

Screen time refers to any time a child spends using a device with a screen, including:

• Televisions
• Tablets (e.g., iPads)
• Smartphones
• Computers and laptops
• Gaming consoles (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch)
• Streaming platforms (e.g., YouTube, Netflix)

It’s important to distinguish between active screen time (e.g., educational programs or interactive learning) and passive screen time (e.g., watching TV or videos without interaction).

What Does Australian Research Say?

Too much, too early: A study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that most children aged 4–5 are already exceeding recommended screen time limits.

Only 1 in 6 Australian children aged 5–12 meet national screen time recommendations, according to the University of Sydney.

Social consequences: Excessive early screen exposure is linked with reduced face-to-face interaction, which can hinder the development of language, empathy, and problem-solving skills, as reported by the Australian Council on Children and the Media.

Signs That Screen Time May Be Having a Negative Impact

• Less interest in social activities, like meeting friends or playing sport
• Declining school performance
• Tiredness, sleep disturbances, headaches, eye strain
• Changes in eating patterns
• Reduced personal hygiene
• Obsession with particular websites or games
• Extreme anger when asked to take a break from online activity
• Anxiety or irritability when away from a device
• Withdrawal from friends and family

Screen Time Limits

There is no magic number. The right amount of screen time depends on a range of factors, including your child’s age and maturity, the type of content they’re engaging with, their learning needs, and your family routine.

It’s easy to focus only on the clock, but what they are doing online and how involved you are matters just as much.

Ask yourself:

1. Is screen time interfering with their sleep or exercise?
2. Is it affecting their relationships with family and friends?

These questions can help guide a balanced approach between online and offline activities.

Practical Strategies to Manage Screen Use

 Set Consistent Rules

• Agree on daily screen time limits and stick to them. Use timers or parental controls.
• Older children are more likely to cooperate if they’ve been part of the decision-making process. Younger children may benefit from a reward system or alternative play ideas.
• Be clear about consequences for not switching off and establish clear boundaries

Create Screen-Free Zones

Examples include:

• No devices in the bedroom for younger children
• All screens off in bedrooms after a set time for older children
• All screens off at least one hour before bedtime
• No devices at the dinner table
• Charging devices overnight in a place your child cannot access

Encourage Real-World Play

• Provide books, puzzles, art supplies, or outdoor activities as screen-free alternatives.

Lead by Example

• Children observe our habits. Put away your own devices during family time.
• If you have a goal for your child to reduce screen time often it is first worthwhile looking at our own habits. Track your own screen use and set family goals to reduce device time together.

Co-View Content / Co-Play

• Watch shows, play games, or use apps with your child to guide learning and foster discussion.
• This helps you understand their interests and creates opportunities to talk about them.

Balance With Movement and Sleep

• Make sure children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day and follow a consistent bedtime routine.

Use Tech Tools to Help Manage Access

• There are robust products and device functions which allow you to see which apps are being used in your home and for how long. But try not to use these tools to secretly monitor your child. Instead, be open about the process and check the whole family’s usage, including your own. Start with Google Family Link for Android devices or parental controls and Screen Time for iPhone/iPad.

Technology is here to stay—and that’s not a bad thing. But as with anything, balance is key. By setting clear limits, encouraging quality content, and prioritising real-world interaction, we can help children grow into confident, curious, and socially aware digital contributors.

Additional Resources

• Online Gaming Parent Handout
• https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/gaming
• eSafety – How to Set Parental Controls
  eSafety Parental Control
• Parenting Challenges and Technology
  eSafety Parenting Tips
• How to Set Boundaries
  Raising Children Network

Charlotte | Student Wellbeing Psychologist