Screen Time:
Setting Boundaries for Technology Use and Promoting Healthy Media Habits
With technology playing a major role in daily life, setting boundaries for screen time is essential to fostering healthy habits and a safe digital environment for children. Beyond concerns over time spent on screens, there’s also the risk of children encountering inappropriate or unwanted content. This guide offers tips on how to establish tech boundaries, encourage healthy media habits, and avoid exposure to harmful content, with resources tailored for Aussie families.
Why Screen Time Boundaries and Safe Content Matter
Screen time can provide educational and entertainment value, but without boundaries, it can affect physical health, disrupt sleep, and lead to exposure to unwanted or inappropriate content. By setting clear, positive boundaries, parents can ensure screen time remains safe and enriching.
Tips for Managing Screen Time and Avoiding Unwanted Content
Create a Family Screen Time Plan
Discuss with your family when, where, and how devices will be used, setting aside tech-free times and zones, like the dining table and bedrooms. For older kids, letting them have input can increase cooperation and ownership over healthy habits.
Supervise Online Activity
For young children, co-viewing and monitoring screen time are vital. Sit with your child while they use the internet or apps to prevent exposure to inappropriate content. Older children can be guided to make safe content choices using trusted apps or platforms like ABC Kids and YouTube Kids, where content is age-appropriate and filtered.
Enable Parental Controls
Most devices and streaming services offer parental controls, so you can restrict access to certain sites or apps. You can also use third-party apps to filter unwanted content. For help setting up controls, the Australian Government’s eSafety Guide provides step-by-step advice.
Teach Children About Unwanted Content
Children are naturally curious, so teaching them what to do if they come across upsetting or inappropriate material is essential.
Explain to them that they can always talk to you if they see something online that makes them uncomfortable.
Role-play responses, such as shutting down the device or coming to find you, to help them react confidently.
Encourage Quality Over Quantity
Screen time can vary significantly in value. Educational apps and creative tools can offer positive experiences. Use resources like the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM), which provides reviews of games, apps, and movies to help parents choose enriching, child-friendly media at childrenandmedia.org.au.
Set Screen-Free Zones and Times
Set clear boundaries around when and where screens can be used, such as avoiding screens before bedtime to support healthy sleep patterns. Meal times and car rides can also be good screen-free times to allow for family bonding and meaningful conversation.
Use Safe Browsers and Kid-Friendly Platforms
Opt for child-safe browsers or curated platforms to minimise exposure to inappropriate content. Using age-appropriate platforms like ABC Kids or YouTube Kids can help reduce the chances of encountering unwanted material. For older children exploring the internet more freely, consider setting their browsers to “safe mode.
Australian Resources for Media Safety and Digital Literacy
Australia offers a range of resources designed to help families balance screen time and promote digital safety:
eSafety Commissioner
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides a wealth of information on digital safety, including managing screen time, setting up parental controls, and educating kids about online safety. Visit esafety.gov.au for family-friendly guides and resources.
Raising Children Network
The Raising Children Network includes articles on screen time, managing exposure to inappropriate content, and building healthy screen habits for different age groups. Visit raisingchildren.net.au for practical advice tailored to Aussie families.
Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM)
ACCM offers reviews of apps, games, and movies with age-based recommendations to help families make informed choices. Access these resources at childrenandmedia.org.au for advice on suitable content.
Empowering Kids in a Digital World
Creating a balanced approach to screen time is about more than just setting limits; it’s about fostering a safe, purposeful relationship with technology. By using trusted resources and maintaining open communication, parents can help children navigate the online world, avoiding unwanted content and building positive digital habits.