For children under 2 years
- Little or no screen time is best
- Video calls with family are okay
Healthy internet use
Key takeaways
- Incorporating screen time and digital technology can contribute to a healthy lifestyle for kids and teens.
- Encourage your child to balance screen time with offline activities and select high-quality digital content.
- How this looks will change depending on your child's age and how they are managing their online time.
The internet is a big part of our lives.
We use it for work, learning, and fun but too much screen time can be unhealthy.
Too much screen time can lead to:
- Trouble sleeping
- Less exercise
- Less time with family and friends
- Poor focus at school or work
But not all screen time is the same. Some online activities help children learn and grow, while others are just for fun.
How much is too much?
Each family is different, but here are some general guidelines from Raising Children Network
For children 2–5 years
- No more than 1 hour per day
- Watch or play together with your child
For children 6–12 years
- Set clear limits
- Make sure screens don't replace sleep, physical activity, or family time
For teenagers
- Work together to set reasonable limits
- Focus on the type of content, not just time spent
Simple tips for healthy internet use
1. Create "screen free" times and places
- No screens during meals
- No screens in bedrooms
- No screens 1 hour before bedtime
- Charge devices overnight in a common area, not in bedrooms
2. Be a good role model
- Follow the same rules you set for your children
- Put your phone away during family time
- Talk about why you use screens (to look up recipes, message family, etc.)
- Show that you can put devices down and focus on people
3. Make a family plan
- Set clear rules about when and how long screens can be used
- Create a "screen time agreement" that everyone signs
- Use a timer to help kids know when screen time is over
- Plan offline activities to do together as a family
4. Quality matters more than time
- Choose educational games and videos
- Help children find creative apps, not just passive entertainment
- Talk about what they're doing online
- Play online games together sometimes
Find tips for healthy time online in Optus Digital Thumbprint guide (PDF)
Helpful tools and resources
Tools to manage screen time:
- Most phones and tablets have built-in screen time controls
- Search for Parental controls or Screen time settings on your device
Fun ways to learn about internet safety:
- Play Interland with your children, a free online game that teaches internet safety
- Watch Be Internet Legends videos together
Starting good habits early
Even very young children are watching how you use screens. Here's how to start good habits early:
- Set an example by putting your own device down when talking to others
- Create tech-free zones like the dinner table
- Plan plenty of outdoor and hands-on play activities
- Choose quality content when you do allow screen time
- Always watch together with young children
Learn more about good habits starting young at eSafety
Remember, it's not about banning screens completely. It's about finding a healthy balance that works for your family
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