BHNPS Unplugged

Creating a family tech agreement is a valuable way to guide young children in developing safe and healthy digital habits. For lower primary school children this tech agreement helps build critical thinking, self-regulation, and digital intelligence, setting the foundation for smoother tech use in later years. By involving kids in the process, families encourage open conversations and create shared expectations around screen time and internet use. Displaying the agreement reinforces these habits daily.

Click here for some Family Tech Agreement templates to download.

SMART Screen time goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-based goals to help your family as you navigate the use of digital devices at home.

The eSafety Commissioner has many tips on helping your child achieve a healthy balance in their online and offline activities. Click here to read more.

Having a list of screen-free activity ideas is a great way to support your child’s development and encourage meaningful, offline engagement. It helps reduce reliance on devices for entertainment and gives children a variety of options to stay active, creative, and socially connected. When boredom strikes, a ready-made list makes it easier to redirect attention toward healthier habits—whether it’s reading, building, playing, or exploring. 

Access a Screen-Free Family Planner with great ideas from Monday to Sunday here.

For more information and free resources, check out The Kids Research Institute Australia, empowering all parents and families to reach their goals when it comes to screen time.

Building healthy screen time habits helps children develop emotional regulation, focus, and social skills. It also protects sleep quality and physical health. Setting boundaries encourages self-control and digital awareness, preparing kids for safer tech use as they grow. Creating screen-free routines strengthens family connections and promotes more meaningful offline experiences.

Do you need parental controls? What are the options? Do they really work?

Even if you’ve talked to your kids about screen time limits and responsible online behaviour., it’s still really tough to manage what they do when you’re not there (and even when you are). Parental controls can support you in your efforts to keep your kids’ internet experiences safe, fun, and productive. They work best when used openly and honestly in partnership with your kids.

Figuring out what kind of parental control is best is entirely based on your own family’s needs. Some families can get by with simple, free browser settings to filter inappropriate content. Some families need help clamping down on screen time. Some folks are cool with spot-checks on their kids’ devices. Wherever you are in your search, this guide can help you make sense of the wide array of options for managing your family’s devices. Find the answers to parents’ most frequently asked questions about parental controls.

Read more about Parental Control's on CommonSense Media here.

Young people today are growing up in an increasingly connected world where technology is part of their everyday lives –– for learning, socialising, and entertainment. While the digital world offers enormous benefits, it also comes with serious risks. 

In today's digital age, safeguarding a child's wellbeing must also include protecting their online life. This This Cyber Safety Series of School TV will help you better understand the digital landscape your child is navigating and offer practical strategies to help them stay safe, confident and in control online.

Click here for free videos, fact sheets and more from experts in cyber safety.

Wait Mate is a movement empowering parents to hit pause on smartphones until at least high school.

Wait Mate unlocks a connection with other parents when 10 or more families from the same school year group sign the pledge. This creates a supportive community where parents can encourage each other and share resources.

If you'd like to know more or take the pledge, click here.