Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#1259 - How's Life for Children in The Digital Age?

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Episode notes

A major new report from the OECD has revealed shocking insights into how screen use is shaping children's lives—and not for the better. In this episode, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the disturbing statistics, explain the real-world impact of screens on kids’ mental health, relationships, and development, and offer practical, age-specific strategies to help parents take back control. From toddlers to teens, this is the digital wake-up call every parent needs.

KEY POINTS

  • Startling Stats:
    1. Aussie teens average 7 hours of screen time per day.
    2. 12% use screens more than 80 hours per week.
    3. 70% of 10-year-olds “own” smartphones.
    4. 60% of Australian girls report severe distress from cyberbullying.
  • 4 Uncomfortable Truths for Parents:
    1. Real-world problems predict digital problems. Kids in distress offline turn to screens for escape.
    2. Most parents are fighting the wrong war. The issue is less about screen time and more about content and connection.
    3. It’s a bi-directional trap. Poor mental health drives screen addiction, and screen use worsens mental health.
    4. Parental hypocrisy matters. Kids don’t listen if we model the very behaviour we criticise.
  • The Hidden Costs of Screen Use:
     Depression, anxiety, loneliness, academic decline, sleep issues, and family conflict all rise with excessive and unsupervised screen use.
  • The Real Solution:
     Strong offline relationships, autonomy-supportive parenting, and a focus on values, not just rules or limits.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“You can’t lift someone up if you’re underneath them. You’ve got to stand on high ground.”
 — Justin Coulson

RESOURCES MENTIONED

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

For Kids Aged 0–7:

  1. Be present during screen time or avoid it altogether.
  2. Keep devices out of bedrooms—model this yourself.
  3. Avoid gamified apps and addictive content. Prioritise simple, slow-paced shows (e.g., Bluey).

For Kids Aged 8–12:

  1. Create a co-designed family media plan.
  2. Prioritise what they’re consuming, not just how much.
  3. Invest in offline activities and friendships—nature, play, and sport are protective.

For Teens:

  1. Shift from control to collaboration. Support autonomy and solve problems with them.
  2. Address root issues—mental health, loneliness, stress—before tackling screen habits.
  3. Model healthy screen use. Walk your talk, or your words will fall flat.

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