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Is Excessive Screen Time Damaging Australian Kids’ Health? Discover the Surprising Facts
I see kids everywhere with screens—at home, in cars, even at the park. In Australia, children over five years old now spend more than 44 hours each week looking at screens. That’s over six hours every single day. Experts say kids should have no more than 14 hours per week. So, Aussie kids are getting about 30 hours more than what’s safe.
How Do Aussie Kids Compare to Others?
In the United States, kids aged 5 to 8 spend about 23 hours a week with screens. That’s a lot, but it’s still much less than what’s happening in Australia. Kids in Australia are spending almost twice as much time on screens as kids in the US.
Why Is Too Much Screen Time a Problem?
Doctors and scientists have studied this a lot. When kids spend too much time with screens, they can feel sad, worried, or angry. They might have trouble sleeping. Sometimes, they find it hard to pay attention at school. Some even feel lonely, even though they’re always “connected” online.
But it’s not just about the kids. When parents use their phones a lot, kids notice. Kids whose parents are glued to their screens often feel more stressed. They might even have more problems with their own mental health.
What Can Families Do?
Here are some simple ideas:
- Set clear rules: Decide together how much screen time is okay each day.
- Create screen-free zones: Make mealtimes and bedrooms free from screens.
- Be a role model: Put your own phone down and join your child in other activities.
- Talk about feelings: Ask your child how they feel after using screens. Listen and help if they seem upset.
- Plan fun alternatives: Go for a walk, play a board game, or read together.
What Is Australia Doing About It?
Australia has passed a new law. Kids under 16 years old will not be allowed to use social media. The law will start in December. If it works, more than a million kids could be kept off social media.
But making this law work is hard. What counts as social media? What rules should companies follow? How will anyone check if kids are really under 16? These are questions the government is still trying to answer.
What About Other Countries?
Australia isn’t alone. In Brazil, the age for using Instagram just went up from 14 to 16. In Europe, leaders are talking about setting a “Digital Majority Age” to help protect kids online.
Why Parents Still Matter Most
Laws can help, but parents are the first line of defense. Kids need support when they feel stressed or worried about things they see online. Talking, listening, and spending time together can make a big difference.
If you want your child to grow up healthy and strong, start with small changes at home. Turn off the screens, look up, and enjoy time together.