Australia’s Screen Time Shock: Are Our Kids Swapping Play for Pixels?
A wake-up call from Ally Langdon — and what it means for families
In a world ruled by screens, the issue of screen time for toddlers is more important than ever. A new report has just dropped a truth bomb on Aussie households — and it’s making headlines.
According to research by Roy Morgan, the average Australian family now spends over 6 hours a day in front of digital devices. And the most alarming detail? Many toddlers are logging more screen time than playtime.
Yes, you read that right.
Even before they can tie their shoelaces, many little ones are glued to screens — phones, tablets, and TVs — for longer stretches than they spend running around, building blocks, or playing outdoors.
“I never thought this was a threat… but it is.”
This revelation recently prompted a heartfelt reaction from Ally Langdon, the popular TV host and mother of two.
Speaking on A Current Affair, Langdon confessed that like many parents, she underestimated the impact of screens on young minds.
“I’m an inconsistent parent,” she admitted honestly.
“But seeing these numbers — this is a real threat to our kids’ development.”
Langdon is now urging parents to pay attention to their children’s digital health, calling for better balance between tech and real-world interaction.
The Bigger Picture: It’s Not Just About Toddlers
This isn’t just about babies watching cartoons. The data shows:
- Kids aged 3–8 are averaging over 4 hours of screen time daily
- Teenagers are nearing 8 hours, much of it on social media
- Only 30% of families set consistent screen time rules
Health experts warn that excessive screen time at an early age can affect:
- Brain development
- Sleep patterns
- Emotional regulation
- Attention span
For parents, this adds up to more tantrums, poor sleep, and less creativity — issues that extend well beyond screen time itself.
You can also check our Parenting section here for more on raising balanced, healthy kids.
So, What Can We Do?
Ally Langdon’s message is clear: awareness first, action next.
Here are 5 simple things families can start doing today:
- Tech-free meal times
- Daily outdoor play — even 30 mins makes a difference
- Set a screen-time limit and stick to it
- Use parental controls on devices
- Model the behavior you want your kids to follow
Final Word
Whether you’re a “strict parent” or an “inconsistent one” (as Ally calls herself), this report is a gentle but serious wake-up call.
Digital devices aren’t the enemy — but mindless overuse is. And when even toddlers are spending more time swiping than skipping, it’s time to rethink how we raise the next generation.
Let’s unplug a little — and reconnect a lot.
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