Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers,

If screen time feels like a daily tug-of-war in your house, you’re not alone. According to the Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll, over 90% of Australian parents report that excessive screen time is a top concern for their children. From schoolwork and streaming to video calls with relatives, screens are everywhere for kids and adults alike.

And with rising concerns around screen time and mental health especially for teens and social media it’s natural for parents of younger kids to ask:

"How do we get this right from the start?"

You don’t need to ban screens or turn into a digital detective.

What you can do is build balanced, mindful screen habits early, and help your child/children learn to use digital tools in ways that support and even build their mental fitness and overall wellbeing.

Why Screen Time Matters for Kids’ Mental & Emotional Health

While many primary-aged children may not have their own phones or tablets, they’re still regularly exposed to screens whether through games, videos, or digital tools used in classrooms.

Children also notice how adults use screens: posting, scrolling, zoning out during conversations all of which shape their developing relationship with technology.

It’s important to know that much of the tech we all use is designed to hook us. Autoplay, reward loops, endless scrolls; these features are intentionally persuasive. So, if managing screen time feels like it’s getting harder, you’re not imagining it.

As role models, we can take back control by helping our kids develop the skills they need to use screens in ways that build not erode their wellbeing

The Early Years Matter

During primary school years, kids are developing vital life skills, emotional regulation, focus and attention, empathy and social awareness and healthy habits for rest and play.

Screen time can support or disrupt these skills. That’s why how we use screens and how we talk about them makes a difference.

Not All Screen Time Is the Same

Supporting tech-savvy, mentally fit kids starts with recognising that not all screen time is created equal. Understanding the differences can help you set boundaries that build resilience, rather than resistance.

Passive Screen Time

Passive screen time is when we’re watching rather than doing—like:

• Streaming videos
• Scrolling social media
• Watching TV or movies

 A little passive downtime can be calming.  But too much can leave kids feeling:

• Emotionally drained
• Disconnected from others
• Less able to self-regulate or cope with everyday frustrations

 Choose quality, age-appropriate content—and ask your child:

“How did that show make you feel?”
 “Would you watch it again?”

Active Screen Time

Active screen time includes digital activities that:

• Engage thinking or creativity
• Encourage social interaction
• Support learning or connection

Examples:

• Coding and drawing apps
• Video chats with family
• Interactive educational games

When balanced, active screen time can support emotional resilience and learning.

After active screen time, if your child is eager to talk or show you something they’ve created—that’s a great sign! Celebrate it!

Signs Your Child Might Be Getting Too Much Screen Time

Keep an eye out for these red flags:

• More meltdowns, irritability, or mood swings after screen use
• Trouble sleeping or skipping meals
• Avoiding offline activities they used to enjoy
• Headaches, sore eyes, or low energy
• Difficulty focusing or switching tasks

It might look like:

• They snap or become emotional when it’s time to stop
• They struggle to engage in non-screen activities
• They can't remember what they just watched
• They’re constantly “bored” unless a screen is on
• Their energy seems drained after long screen sessions

What to Do When Screen Time Becomes a Battle

If every screen-time transition feels like a meltdown, take a breath—this is a common struggle. You're not failing—you're navigating a tough part of parenting in a digital world.

Try these strategies:

Stay Calm & Consistent

Boundaries are important—and often met with resistance. That’s okay.

Acknowledge Their Feelings: “I know it’s hard to stop when you’re having fun.”

Offer Gentle Transitions

“Two more minutes, then let’s choose a book or go outside together.”

Remember:

You’re not just managing screen time, you're teaching self-regulation, one of the most important life skills your child will ever learn.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to win every screen time battle, you just need to stay curious, consistent, and connected.

By modelling healthy tech use and keeping the conversation open, you’re giving your child tools that will help them grow into a thoughtful, balanced digital citizen.
Content: taken from Smiling Minds

Helpful Resources:

• Smiling Mind – Free Mindfulness App
• Source of information: https://www.smilingmind.com.au/

Kind regards,

Dianne Gin
Deputy Principal

Staffing News

From next week I will be on a period of leave and will return to school toward the end of Term 4. In my absence, Mrs Dianne Gin will be Acting Principal. It is great to know I leave the school in very capable hands! I look forward to seeing everyone on my return.

Sincere thanks to all who joined us for the Family Mass last Saturday evening. The choir did a fantastic job in leading the congregation in song and it was wonderful to see the church filled with so many families and young people! We enjoyed a lovely supper and chat after Mass and the children seemed very happy to see each other. Thanks again to all who contributed to and attended this event!

Joanne Coldebella
Principal