An Eye On Curriculum

 National eSmart Week

What is eSmart Week?

National eSmart Week is an annual event run by eSmart, Australia’s trusted provider of online-safety education and an initiative of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. It is a celebration of all the great work of schools and libraries nationwide to help students stay safe, smart, and responsible online. In 2026, National eSmart Week will run from Monday, 30 March to Sunday, 7 April.

Screens and devices are now firmly part of our world. We all use them to work, play, learn and socialise – and so do our children.

Establishing a healthy approach to technology

While there are recommended guidelines for daily screen time, it can be more helpful to think about the type of screen use. Research is moving away from ‘screen time’ alone as a useful indicator of children’s wellbeing, focusing instead on the relationship between quantity, quality and content. Doing schoolwork or independent study on a device is not the same as watching TV, and playing video games is not the same as connecting with friends and family.

Comparing it to food, we understand that some foods are more nutritious than others, even though they all provide energy. Similarly, parents and carers should take into consideration not just how much time their children spend on screens, but what kinds of screen-based activities they are engaged in.

Instead of imposing complete bans on screen time, monitoring screen time and activities can help strike a balance. Of course, certain activities and content should not be accessible to children, but apart from those, setting rules enables your family to find a harmonious relationship with technology.

Signs that the balance isn’t right

If you notice any of the following behaviours in your child, it may indicate that the balance between screen time and other activities needs adjusting:

• Feeling tired during the day due to late-night device use.
• Becoming agitated or angry when asked to switch off their device.
• Sneaking their devices to avoid detection.
• Neglecting other toys or play activities.
• Lacking physical exercise due to excessive screen time.
• Discussing or engaging in games that involve mature concepts or characters beyond their age appropriateness.

Telstra Tech Talk Technology platforms like Microsoft, Apple, and Google which design the operating systems that run iPhone, iPads, and most other phones have built-in family controls that allow parents to set screen time limits and content restrictions on platforms like YouTube. Game platforms like Xbox also offer similar family controls. They will also generate screen time reports showing the games and apps most used and when.

Taking action: become a screen smart family

Creating a Screen Smart Plan is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance, and involving the whole family in its development increases the likelihood of success.

We’ve attached a downloadable template that your child can use to build their own screen smart plan – access this at the end of this page.

Consider the following components for each family member:

• Define where screens and devices can and can’t be used within the household. Lounge rooms can be designated as suitable areas, while bedrooms may be off-limits.
• Establish a process for seeking permission before accessing new games or shows. Ensure your child understands why age restrictions are in place and research these together.
• Determine appropriate time limits for each tech activity and establish priorities such as completing homework or household chores before screen time.
• Identify shared activities that the family can enjoy together to foster a healthy relationship with screens and model balanced screen use.
• Don't hesitate to introduce incentives to encourage adherence to the rules, particularly in the early stages of implementing the agreement. Offering enjoyable alternative activities during breaks from screens can make the transition more palatable.

Importantly, remember that you are a member of the family too! While your approach to being screen smart may differ from your child's, it's essential to demonstrate your commitment to the agreed-upon rules. By modelling the desired behaviour, you convey the seriousness of maintaining a balanced approach to screen time.

Download the resource

Help your family to become screen smart by creating a plan together. Use the guide to plot a Screen Smart Plan – print it out and put it in an easy to access place in your home to remind everyone what you have agreed upon.