In an era where digital devices are ubiquitous, a leading child development expert is urging Australian adults to lead by example if they want children to learn the vital skill of switching off. Dr Kelsie Prabawa-Sear, a lecturer and researcher, argues that the solution to managing children's screen time isn't found in stricter rules, but in the behaviour modelled by the adults around them.
The Adult Blueprint for Child Behaviour
Dr Prabawa-Sear, who teaches at the University of Western Australia, points out a critical disconnect in modern parenting and education. We frequently instruct children to put their devices away, yet we often fail to disconnect ourselves. This contradiction, she asserts, sends a powerful mixed message. Children are astute observers, and they learn far more from what we do than from what we say.
The core of the issue is that adults are struggling with their own relationship with technology. The constant ping of notifications, the compulsion to check emails after hours, and the endless scroll through social media have become normalised. When children see the most important adults in their lives tethered to screens, they internalise this as standard, acceptable behaviour. Simply telling them to 'go play outside' while we remain glued to our phones is an ineffective strategy.
Why Digital Downtime is Non-Negotiable
The call for reduced screen time isn't about being anti-technology, but about safeguarding essential aspects of childhood development. Unstructured, screen-free time is fundamental for fostering creativity, problem-solving, and social skills. It is during these periods of boredom or free play that children learn to navigate social interactions, manage conflicts, and use their imagination.
Dr Prabawa-Sear emphasises that this isn't just about limiting harm; it's about actively promoting wellbeing. Face-to-face interaction and hands-on play are irreplaceable components of healthy neurological and emotional development. When screens dominate, these crucial experiences are diminished. The expert's message is clear: protecting this time is an investment in a child's long-term capacity for focus, empathy, and innovation.
Practical Steps for Families and Educators
So, what can be done? The change must start with adults consciously modifying their own habits. Dr Prabawa-Sear suggests implementing practical, collective strategies rather than imposing top-down restrictions on children alone.
Creating tech-free zones and times is a powerful first step. This could mean no devices at the dinner table, during family outings, or for the first hour after everyone gets home. The key is that these rules apply to everyone—parents, carers, and older siblings included.
Furthermore, adults can consciously model the joy of offline activities. This involves visibly engaging in hobbies like reading a physical book, gardening, cooking, or playing a board game. By demonstrating that fulfilment and relaxation can be found away from a screen, adults provide a tangible, attractive alternative for children.
The challenge, as outlined by Dr Prabawa-Sear, is a societal one. It requires a cultural shift where adults acknowledge their own digital dependencies and take responsibility for the behavioural blueprint they are providing. The reward, however, is significant: raising a generation that can harness technology effectively without being consumed by it, and one that retains the ability to connect deeply with the world and people around them.
