Parents spend four hours a day on screens for leisure, with experts urging parents to try a 24-hour switch-off
Modern parents are slaves to tech and will spend 14 years of their lives staring at phones, TVs and laptops. But some, like Eunice and Aujen Briones, are trying to break the habit.
Screen-obsessed parents spend 14 years of their lives on phones, tablets, TVs and laptops, with most averaging four hours a day, a new national study has found.
This doesn’t include screen use in work time.
A YouGov survey of 1000 Australian mums and dads found two-thirds feel guilty about their screen time, with eight out of ten admitting it has an impact on their children’s relationships with devices.
Despite the guilt, nearly nine out of ten parents admit to being on their phone during playtime or while spending time with their children.
The survey also shows nearly half of all Gen Z parents use screens to settle tantrums, compared to only a third of Millennials and six per cent of gen Xers.
Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X parents lead the charge with the highest daily screen time (four hours), followed by Baby Boomers trailing shortly behind (three hours). Parents with preschoolers (ages 4 – 5) and early primary schoolers (ages 6 – 7) also spend the most time on screens, averaging four hours per day.
This equates to 14 years over an average lifespan.
The study, commissioned by audio platform Yoto, found parents spend more time a day on screen than their kids, who average three hours a day interacting with screen technology – adding up to nearly two full years by the time they turn 18.
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Aussie parents say they use screens most often to keep their kids occupied in the car or on public transport (41 per cent), followed by quiet time at home (40 per cent) and during appointments (38 per cent).
It comes as households are starting to prepare for a nationwide ban aimed at stopping children under 16 from accessing social media.
Parenting expert Deirdre Brandner said parents “know that their own screen time is impacting family life, but many feel powerless to change”.
“There are many ways that parents can take back the power that screens have on them by creating new routines and genuine alternatives to screen entertainment that encourage connection and imagination as a family,” she said.
Screen-free audio platform Yoto is holding a national Big Switch Off on Friday, 12 September to give households the chance to unplug and spend 24 hours off screens.
For 24 hours, Yoto’s Australian social channels will go dark, inviting families across the country to pause screens, reconnect, and rediscover balance.
Sharina Simnett, Australian manager at Yoto, said: “We know screens are part of modern family life, and this isn’t about judging parents or asking for drastic changes. It’s about making small shifts that can have a big impact.”
Sydney-based content creator Jordan Wyer, who has two young children, said the hardest part of controlling screen time is that “our phones are just always there”.
“We try to keep it pretty balanced and I’m all for using it when we need a bit of quiet time, but I notice such a big difference when we have screen-free days where the kids are so much happier, more creative and play a lot better independently,” she said.
“I catch myself scrolling when I could be playing with the kids, so we try to be really intentional about switching off as a whole family.”
Her family is taking part in the Switch Off which she said will be a “big refresh!”
Another participant will be Eunice Briones, a mother-of-two from Sydney.
“We don’t strictly limit our screen time but try to keep it balanced and use it for learning and shared family enjoyment,” she said.
“Our four-year-old might have half an hour of TV before dinner and we have clear boundaries like no screens during meals and adults’ phones stay away until after the kids are asleep,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to Switch Off, it feels like such a lovely opportunity to slow down and focus on the simple moments that often get pushed aside during busy weeks.”
Parents can register at https://yoto.space/big-switch-off
Parenting expert Deirdre Brandner’s practical tips for screen-free parenting and building connections with children
Embrace parallel play: Children playing while you complete necessary tasks creates valuable proximity.
Phone-free zones: Consider creating consistent “phone-free zones”, even if just for 20 minutes daily.
Low-stimulation environments: Park walks or shared kitchen preparation naturally facilitate connection without the pressure of entertainment.
Reframe “quiet time”: Take it as an opportunity to practise independent play or shared downtime (e.g., puzzles, quiet drawing, listening to music).
Games during transit: During transit, try simple games like “I spy,” story-making, or music playlists; these are connection moments in disguise.
Come prepared: In cafes or waiting rooms, bring books, drawing pads, or toys, yes, it takes more prep, but it builds long-term capacity.
Use transitions to narrate expectations: “We’re going to sit and wait for a little bit. I brought something we can do together.”
Practice narrating your choices: “I’m putting my phone away so I can listen properly”
Presence over performance: Remember that your presence, not your performance, is what matters most.
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Originally published as Parents spend four hours a day on screens for leisure, with experts urging parents to try a 24-hour switch-off
