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WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
Why Reduce and Replace Screen Time?
Here are three research-backed reasons to help families understand why reducing screen time and replacing it with real-life activities matters:
Happier, calmer kids. Australian studies show that children who spend more time on screens are more likely to feel anxious, sad, or irritable — even at just two hours per day. Cutting back helps kids feel more emotionally balanced and resilient. References: Black Dog Institute (2024); UQ News (2022).
Better sleep, better focus. Almost half of Australian primary schoolers struggle with sleep. Screens before bed delay and disrupt rest, leaving kids tired and unfocused. Turning off screens an hour before bed helps them sleep better and wake refreshed. Reference: The Guardian (2025).
Stronger bodies and friendships. Only 15% of Australian children meet healthy screen-time limits. Replacing screen use with outdoor play and social connection builds fitter bodies, sharper minds, and closer friendships. References: University of Sydney (2024); PubMed (2021).
Why Too Much Screen Time Hurts Development
Screens crowd out real-life growth. Every extra hour on screens replaces essential activities like play, reading, problem-solving, socialising, and sleep — all crucial for healthy brain and emotional development.
Screens are designed to be addictive. They trigger dopamine — the brain’s “feel-good” chemical — creating habits and cravings that make it hard for kids to stop. Unlike outdoor play or reading, screens have no natural stopping point.
Screens change the developing brain. The landmark Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (NIH) found that heavy screen use is linked to lower cognitive and language scores, premature thinning of the brain’s frontal cortex, and lower crystallised intelligence. Reference: ScreenStrong summary of NIH ABCD Study.
Parental Controls
Parental Controls
Do you need parental controls? What are the options? Do they really work?
Even if you’ve talked to your kids about screen time limits and responsible online behaviour., it’s still really tough to manage what they do when you’re not there (and even when you are). Parental controls can support you in your efforts to keep your kids’ internet experiences safe, fun, and productive. They work best when used openly and honestly in partnership with your kids.
Figuring out what kind of parental control is best is entirely based on your own family’s needs. Some families can get by with simple, free browser settings to filter inappropriate content. Some families need help clamping down on screen time. Some folks are cool with spot-checks on their kids’ devices. Wherever you are in your search, this guide can help you make sense of the wide array of options for managing your family’s devices. Find the answers to parents’ most frequently asked questions about parental controls.
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