When Australia announced restrictions on social media for under-16s, the reaction from parents was immediate — and emotional. For some, it sparked anxiety about kids being “left out”. For others, frustration at yet another rule to manage. But quietly, in many households, it also brought something unexpected: relief.
For Sharina Simnett, Country Manager ANZ at Yoto and mum of two, that feeling came almost instantly. “Honestly, as a parent of two, my first reaction was relief,” she says.
Not because parenting suddenly became easier, but because the ban created something families rarely get — permission to pause.
Earlier this year, research conducted by Yoto found Aussie kids are spending around 2.6 hours a day on screens. Against that backdrop, the social media ban doesn’t feel like a punishment so much as an invitation to reset. “Not in a perfectionist way — just a chance to be a bit more intentional, bring more conversation back into the day, and make space for stories, music and real-world moments that kids genuinely enjoy,” Simnett explains.
What changes when scrolling stops
Without the constant pull of endless feeds, Simnett believes daily life starts to look very different for kids. “Without the pull of endless scrolling, they’ll have far more time for active, imaginative play.” And perhaps more importantly, children regain something that’s increasingly rare: mental space. “It gives children back the headspace to simply be kids — to get bored, explore, and connect with the world around them in a more meaningful way.”
The shift isn’t just for children either. “I also think this is a bit of a wake-up call for parents to reflect on their social media habits too and work to get a better balance,” Simnett adds.
Why screen-free time really matters
Time away from screens isn’t about filling the day with activities — it’s about how children engage with the world. Simnett says those moments of offline play are where important skills are built. “When they’re building, drawing, listening, or even just chatting, they’re developing key skills like spatial awareness, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.”
Over time, she says, those everyday interactions add up. “This will help them build stronger executive function and better social skills, so they’re more confident and capable as they grow.”
What actually worked in her own home
For Simnett, reducing screen time at home wasn’t about strict rules or sudden bans. It started with behaviour. “Role modelling made the biggest difference for us,” she says. The TV stopped playing in the background, and phones were put away during key moments so everyone could be properly present.
One simple rhythm made a surprising impact: a weekly Screen-Free Sunday. “Not in a perfectionist way — just a consistent rhythm we could stick to,” Simnett explains. The early resistance was real, but having a plan helped. “Rather than taking screens away and leaving a gap, we’d put on an audio story and let that lead the moment.”
Tech-free zones followed — bedrooms, the kitchen, and especially the dinner table. “Over time, those small shifts really added up — and helped show them there’s a whole world beyond scrolling, one they actually want to be part of.”
Making screen-free time feel positive, not punishing
One of the biggest challenges parents face is avoiding power struggles. “If screen-free time feels like something being taken away, it’s going to feel like a punishment,” Simnett says.
Instead, her family focuses on what’s being added. “‘Let’s pick a story’, ‘Shall we do something cosy?’, or ‘It’s time for creative play,’ instead of ‘No tablets,’” she explains. Giving children some choice within those boundaries helps them feel involved rather than controlled.
Consistency also plays a role. “Putting our own phones away at those times makes it feel like a shared habit, not a rule aimed at them.”
Why listening can replace scrolling
Audio-first content became a natural bridge away from screens in Simnett’s home — not as a rule, but as an alternative. “Audio content is a powerful alternative because it’s immersive without being restrictive,” she says. Listening invites imagination rather than replacing it. “They’re actively imagining the characters, settings, and actions. We talk about the story, act it out sometimes and also have the option to read along with the book.”
She says kids often respond better than parents expect. “When kids swap scrolling for listening to stories, songs or podcasts, they become more settled, more focused and more independent.” Audio also slips easily into everyday life — in the car, during play, or while winding down.
Handling the pushback
The hardest part, Simnett admits, is the resistance. “The inevitable ‘I’m bored’ moment.” Screens offer instant stimulation, so pushback is normal — for adults too.
What helps is staying calm and consistent. “Once kids realise there’s a predictable rhythm, the ‘bored’ phase tends to pass much faster.” Having a few simple, screen-free alternatives ready can make transitions easier.
It’s a common worry for parents, especially as kids get older. But Simnett reframes the concern. “The goal isn’t to cut kids off socially — it’s to shift where that ‘social’ time happens.” More offline connection — sport, clubs, playdates and shared rituals — often builds stronger, more secure friendships.
One thing to remember
If Simnett could offer one piece of advice to parents navigating the social media ban, it would be this:
“Make the alternative more exciting than the restriction, and kids will naturally gravitate towards it.”
You don’t need perfection — just a few consistent screen-free moments, patience through the pushback, and the confidence to trust that, over time, it really does get easier.
