Digital Learning

Managing Devices at Home

In today’s digital world, children and adults alike are spending more time on devices than ever before. The rise of remote learning and digital entertainment has further reinforced this trend. While technology offers incredible educational benefits, excessive screen time can impact physical health, mental well-being, and family relationships.

However, digital literacy is essential in today’s society, and when used mindfully, technology can support learning in powerful ways. Benefits include:

• Developing digital literacy – a crucial skill for future careers.
• Enhancing academic performance – access to educational tools can boost learning outcomes.
• Supporting diverse learning needs – interactive programs can be particularly effective for children with learning differences.

As with all aspects of life, the key to managing digital devices is balance, moderation, and leading by example. Here are some practical strategies to help families establish healthy tech habits:

Setting Healthy Screen Time Boundaries

• Create ‘screen-free’ times and zones – Set clear boundaries, such as no screens at mealtimes, before school, in bed, or during car rides. These moments should be used for conversation, preparation, and rest, rather than scrolling and tapping.
• Establish daily screen time limits – It’s okay to allow flexibility occasionally, but extra screen time should be treated as a privilege, not a given. Use built-in parental controls like Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link, or set filters through your internet provider.
• Prioritise educational screen time – Swap passive viewing or simple games for activities that promote learning. Coding games, online puzzles, interactive storytelling, or art tutorials can make screen time more productive.
• Encourage screen time in shared spaces – For younger children, avoid screens in bedrooms. Instead, encourage device use in communal areas to promote engagement and monitoring.
• Balance screen time with active and offline activities – Ensure children have plenty of time for physical play, outdoor adventures, creative tasks, and reading.

Securing Your Home Network & Setting Up Filters

Many internet providers offer free tools and parental controls to help families manage screen time and keep children safe online. You can contact your provider for assistance in securing your home network, setting up content filters, and monitoring online activity:

• Telstra – Parental Controls & Cyber Security | Contact: 13 22 00
• Optus – Internet Security & Parental Controls | Contact: 13 39 37
• iiNet – Safe Internet & Security Tools | Contact: 13 22 58
• TPG – Parental Controls & Security | Contact: 13 14 23
• Aussie Broadband – Cyber Security & Parental Controls | Contact: 1300 880 905

Engaging with Technology Together

• Participate in screen time as a family – Research shows that children benefit when parents engage in digital activities with them. Whether it’s playing a game together, exploring an educational app, or discussing online content, shared screen time fosters conversation, critical thinking, and digital awareness.

Additional Resources

For more advice on navigating technology at home, visit the E-Safety Commissioner website: www.esafety.gov.au/parents/resources

If you have effective screen-time strategies that work in your family, I’d love to hear them! Share your ideas, and I’ll include them in future editions of The Link to support other families.

For any questions, feel free to contact me at Hardev.singh@education.vic.gov.au. Stay safe and stay connected!

Further Reading

• Melbourne Child Psychology – How much screen time is too much?
• E-Safety Commissioner – Resources for parents
• Sydney Morning Herald – "iPad screen time can be good for kids if parents get involved too, experts say."