Nine hours a day. That’s how long Aussie teens are spending on recreational screens. But what does this mean for their development—and should parents panic? In this confronting but practical conversation, Dr Justin Coulson is joined by Dr Brad Marshall, clinical psychologist and researcher, to unpack Australia’s biggest study to date on screen overuse and gaming disorder in kids. Together, they explore what the data shows, what it means for families, and what you should (and shouldn’t!) do if screen use has taken over your home.

KEY POINTS

• New research shows 9 hours/day of screen time for high schoolers and 6 for primary kids—just for fun, not school.
• Around 5% of kids show signs of clinical or subclinical gaming disorder. 10% show signs of smartphone addiction.
• Significant developmental impacts were found across emotional, behavioural, educational, and physical domains.
• These issues start in primary school, not just during adolescence.
• It's not about banning screens but about helping parents set and enforce realistic, healthy limits.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"If your child is in a sleep deficit because they’re on screens at night, that snowballs into everything else." – Dr Brad Marshall

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• The new Macquarie University study on screen overuse
• Brad’s Developmental Impact Questionnaire
• Happy Families podcast archive
• Brad Marshall’s organisation: Control Shift

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

1. Don’t attack the tech. Avoid saying things like “that game is rotting your brain.” It shuts down connection.
2. Don’t allow screens in bedrooms at night. Sleep loss is a key trigger for wider issues.
3. Don’t argue in the heat of the moment. Have the “screen talk” when everyone’s calm.
4. Get curious about impacts. Use tools like the Developmental Impact Questionnaire to understand your child’s experience.
5. Pick your battles. Focus on habits and boundaries, not just hours.

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