You might think you’re strict with screen time. You might only give your young son or daughter “one hour of TV a day max”.
But it’s not them you need to worry about: it’s you.
New research from YouGov has found that Aussie parents spend four hours a day on personal screens — or a whopping 14 years of their lives outside of work over an average lifespan.
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Children are not far behind, averaging three hours a day, which adds up to nearly two full years (712 days) spent glued to their screens by the time they turn 18.
Surprisingly, most parents are aware of their digital impact, with a close to eight in ten (78 per cent) acknowledging that their own screen habits shape their children’s relationship with devices.
In fact, over half of Aussie parents (63 per cent) say they feel guilty about how their screen use affects their children, yet nearly nine in ten (87 per cent) admit to being on their phones during playtime or while spending time with their children.
Gen Z, millennials and Gen X parents have the highest daily screen time (four hours), followed by Baby Boomers (three hours).
Parents with preschoolers (ages 4-5) and early primary schoolers (ages 6-7) also spend the most time on screens, averaging four hours per day.
So what can we do about these harrowing facts?
Enter Yoto. The world-renowned screen-free audio platform is challenging Aussie parents to switch off for 24 hours this Friday 12 September as part of The Big Switch Off.
For 24 hours, Yoto’s social channels will go dark, inviting families across the country to pause screens, reconnect, and rediscover balance.
“We know screens are part of modern family life, and this isn’t about judging parents or asking for drastic changes,” the AU Country Manager at Yoto Sharina Simnett tells Best Picks.
“It’s about making small shifts that can have a big impact.
“That’s why we’re launching The Big Switch Off this Friday 12th September – 24 hours off screens, 24 hours on imagination, to give families the chance to reflect on their screen habits and discover the benefits of audio as a way to spark creativity, connection and balance.”
You can sign up and join the movement via the Yoto campaign page here.
Parents committed to joining the Switch Off movement will have access to a downloadable parent resource, with discounted Yoto audio content, offline activities, and practical tips from paediatric psychologist and author, Deirdre Brandner, on how to prepare and implement your switch off day.
Since launching Down Under in July 2024, the award-winning brand Yoto has changed the way thousands of kids enjoy audiobooks, music, podcasts and more.
Designed with Montessori principles in mind, Yoto is the first screen, mic, camera and ad-free portable speaker system for children aged 3-12 years.
Built to be controlled by kids themselves, Yoto helps families unlock safe, autonomous playtime for their children via engaging audio experiences — whether that’s listening to the Frozen or Wicked soundtracks (as my three year old loves to do) or some of Julia Donaldson’s best-selling stories.
The machine itself (3rd Generation; $179.99) uses physical cards that are then loaded into the machine and played at the child’s leisure.
From audio books to songs, educational lessons and white noise, there’s something for every child, whether they are a toddler, young child or tween.
To browse the Yoto website, head here now.
Parenting expert, Deirdre Brandner, shares practical tips for screen-free parenting and building connections with children:
- Embrace parallel play: Children playing while you complete necessary tasks creates valuable proximity.
- Phone free zones: Consider creating consistent “phone-free zones”, even if just for 20 minutes daily.
- Low-stimulation environments: Like park walks or shared kitchen preparation naturally facilitate connection without the pressure of entertainment.
- Reframe “quiet time”: As an opportunity to practise independent play or shared downtime (e.g., puzzles, quiet drawing, listening to music).
- Games during transit: During transit, try simple games like “I spy,” story-making, or music playlists; these are connection moments in disguise.
- Come prepared: In cafes or waiting rooms, bring books, drawing pads, or toys, yes, it takes more prep, but it builds long-term capacity.
- Use transitions to narrate expectations: “We’re going to sit and wait for a little bit. I brought something we can do together”.
- Practice narrating your choices: “I’m putting my phone away so I can listen properly”.
- Presence over performance: Remember that your presence, not your performance, is what matters most.
