Too Much Screen Time?

What the Research Says About Kids and School Holidays

School holidays are a time for family connection, late mornings and plenty of outdoor fun, but for many households, they also bring a noticeable spike in screen time.

Phones, tablets and gaming consoles are now a normal part of childhood, and experts agree that being online isn’t inherently harmful. The challenge for parents is helping children find a healthy balance between digital entertainment and offline activities, particularly during long holiday breaks.

A large-scale systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Psychological Bulletin found higher levels of screen use were associated with increased risks of anxiety, depression, aggression and attention difficulties in children. The researchers also noted a two-way relationship, where emotional and behavioural difficulties can lead to increased screen use over time.

Australian health authorities recommend moderation rather than elimination. The Australian Government’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines advise limiting recreational screen time to no more than one hour per day for children aged two to five, and no more than two hours per day for children and adolescents aged five to 17. The guidelines also emphasise maintaining consistent sleep routines and regular physical activity.

Sleep is a key factor. Research cited by the Department of Health links evening screen use with delayed sleep onset and poorer sleep quality in children, particularly when devices are used close to bedtime.

Instead of blanket bans, the Office of the eSafety Commissioner recommends active parental involvement and open communication. Staying engaged with what children are doing online—whether watching videos, gaming or chatting with friends—helps parents understand their interests and identify potential issues early.

Creating a family-wide screen time plan can also help. Shared rules around device-free meals, set gaming hours or outdoor time can make limits feel fair and achievable. Many devices and apps offer parental control settings to support these boundaries.

For children under 16, experts stress emotional safety is as important as digital safety. Encouraging honest conversations and listening without judgement can help children develop long-term digital resilience.

Most experts agree the goal is not elimination, but balance—teaching children how to use technology intentionally and responsibly.

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A major systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Psychological Bulletin found that higher screen use was associated with increased risks of anxiety, depression, aggression and attention difficulties in children. Photo source: Dreamstime

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