If it feels like screens are running the show in your house, you’re not alone. New research from the screen-free audio platform Yoto has revealed a startling truth. Aussie parents are spending four hours a day on screens. That adds up to more than 14 years over a lifetime, outside of work. And kids are not far behind. In fact, they are clocking 2.6 hours daily – almost two full years of screen time by the time they turn 18.
It turns out, the way parents use screens has a huge influence on their children. The majority of parents (78%) admit their own habits shape their kids’ digital behaviours. Yet, almost two-thirds (63%) feel guilty about the impact on family time. Nearly nine in ten (87%) confess to scrolling or checking messages during playtime or family moments. Screens have become the quiet saviour for busy parents, a calming tool for a tech tantrum and an all-too-easy solution when time is tight.
Gen Z parents are leading the charge with “tantrum tech,” with almost half admitting to handing over a device to settle a meltdown. Millennials follow at 29%, while Gen X parents trail behind at 6%. Whether it’s keeping kids occupied during transit, appointments, or quiet time at home, screens have firmly cemented themselves into daily life.
But, here’s the good news. Yoto is calling on Aussie families to take back their time and imagination with the first-ever National Switch Off. On Friday, 12 September 2025, households across the country are invited to ditch screens for 24 hours. The idea is simple: 24 hours off screens, 24 hours on creativity, storytelling, and quality connection. And to show their commitment to the cause, Yoto will go dark on AU socials (website will remain live).
Parenting expert and child psychologist Deirdre Brandner points out that screen-first parenting can hinder children’s social coping skills. “Parents know that their screen time is impacting family life, but many feel powerless to change,” she says. “There are practical ways to create new routines and alternatives to screen entertainment that encourage connection, creativity, and imagination.”
The beauty of a screen-free day is that it doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. Brandner recommends small but meaningful shifts. For example, try “parallel play” where children play independently while parents finish necessary tasks nearby. Create phone-free zones, even if it’s just 20 minutes a day, or reframe quiet time as an opportunity for puzzles, drawing, or listening to music together. During transit or appointments, simple games like “I spy,” storytelling, or shared music playlists can turn ordinary moments into unexpected opportunities for connection.
Preparation is key. Bring books, drawing pads, or small toys when heading out. Narrate expectations and choices to your children. Try something like, “I’m putting my phone away so we can listen properly.” Focus on presence rather than performance. And, remember that your attention matters more than any activity or outcome.
Audio can play a surprisingly powerful role in this screen-free approach. Yoto’s platform, designed for kids to play independently, features award-winning stories and music that spark imagination without relying on screens. From licensed content with Disney, Roald Dahl Story Company, and Universal Music, to original productions, Yoto encourages creative, calm, and connected play.
Switching off for a day might feel daunting, but the benefits for families are huge. Kids learn to manage their emotions, parents can reconnect, and everyone gets a reminder that family time can thrive without a screen in sight.
So, mark your calendar for 12 September. Join the Yoto Big Switch Off and give your family a chance to reset. Whether it’s sharing stories, singing along to music, or discovering the joy of independent play, one day without screens could make a world of difference. After all, sometimes the best connection is the one that doesn’t come with a notification.