Quick Takeaways
- Under 2 years: No sedentary screen time (except video calls).
- Ages 2-5: Aim for less than one hour of recreational screen time each day.
- Shared screen time is best: Watching and discussing together builds language and connection.
- Balanced learning: Kids Academy uses digital tools like Mathseeds, Reading Eggs, and smart screens to complement hands-on play.
- Home and centre partnership: Simple habits, like switching off before bed, support focus, rest, and healthy routines.
Growing Up in a Digital World
From video calls with grandparents to story apps and family photos on your phone, screens are woven into everyday life. For parents of young children, the real challenge isn’t avoiding screens altogether, it’s learning how to use them wisely.
At Kids Academy Early Learning, we believe children grow best when technology is introduced with purpose. Our educators use digital tools to enhance learning, not replace play, helping every child build confidence, curiosity, and early digital literacy skills.
What the Guidelines Recommend
Australia’s 24-Hour Movement Guidelines offer simple advice for families:
- Under 2 years: No sedentary screen time (except video calls).
- Ages 2-5: No more than one hour of recreational screen time per day - less is better.
- Balance screens with plenty of active, social, and outdoor play.
These recommendations, support healthy brain development, focus, and sleep, and remind us that balance matters more than perfection.
Both the Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and the eSafety Commissioner emphasise that shared, purposeful use of technology is key. When adults watch, talk, or play alongside children, they help them connect what they see on-screen to the real world - building language, confidence and curiosity.
How Kids Academy Uses Technology Thoughtfully
We know families want reassurance that technology in early education is safe, meaningful, and age-appropriate. Here’s how we make it part of a balanced learning experience:
- Reading Eggs and Mathseeds subscriptions (included in your enrolment) build literacy and numeracy through fun, interactive games guided by educators.
- The Early Years Toolbox from the University of Wollongong helps our teams observe and support each child’s cognitive, language, and emotional development.
- Smart screens are used for brief, purposeful group sessions, like exploring habitats during a science unit or viewing an art exhibit before creating our own masterpieces.
Technology is always balanced with hands-on play, conversation, and movement, keeping curiosity and creativity at the heart of every day. And when it comes to home life, even small changes can make a big difference.
Easy Screen-Time Swaps for Home
Looking for small, practical ways to keep things balanced? Try these family-friendly swaps:
- Before bed: Swap cartoons for a bedtime story - shared reading supports vocabulary and sleep.
- After dinner: Replace tablet time with drawing or puzzles while you clean up.
- In the car: Play “I spy” or listen to a short audiobook together.
- After daycare: Turn on music and have a five-minute family dance party.
The eSafety Commissioner also suggests simple habits like keeping devices out of bedrooms and switching them off an hour before bed - small changes that make a big difference.
Partnering with Families
At Kids Academy, we believe digital balance starts with partnership. Our educators model healthy screen use, encourage conversation around technology, and share ideas for home routines that support focus and wellbeing.
We also stay up-to-date with guidance from ACECQA and the eSafety Commissioner to ensure our approach reflects the latest research and best practice.
Confident, Curious, and Connected
Every generation faces new ways to learn, communicate, and explore, and our children’s generation is no different. By combining modern tools with timeless play, Kids Academy helps children develop the confidence to use technology wisely and the curiosity to keep exploring the world around them.
If you’d like to learn more about how our centres use technology to support learning, book a tour or speak with your local Kids Academy centre team today.
Together, we’ll build the foundation for lifelong learning, online and off.