Join us for our latest Building Resilient Kids podcast episode as we tap into our incredible network of experts to give parents and carers across Queensland the tools, insights and strategies needed to help children thrive.
At the Children’s Hospital Foundation, we’re proud to be more than just a funding body – we’re expert communicators, dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering families.
That’s why we are turning to the experts to explore all things digital parenting in the latest episode of our podcast – Building Resilient Kids.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies recommends no more than two hours of screen time per day for children, yet the numbers paint a different reality. In 2023, 90 per cent of Australian children aged 5 – 14 spent at least one hour a week on screen-based activities – and a significant portion (40 per cent) spent 10 – 19 hours per week.
Today’s children face new risks from cyberbullying and screen addiction to exposure to inappropriate content and online predators. Studies show us that 1 in 5 children have experienced cyberbullying, and a similar number have experienced unwanted sexual solicitation online.
Now more than ever, caregivers and parents face unprecedented challenges navigating the complex landscape of online safety.
Our latest podcast episode, hosted by 7NEWS Brisbane Presenter Sarah Greenhalgh in conversation with Children’s Health Queensland Senior Psychologist Kristen Bertschy and media personality Emily Jade O’Keeffe, explores how to keep your child safe online – without losing connection or trust.
In this episode, our experts unpack:
- What does “safe” mean when your child can access the entire internet from their pocket or bedroom?
- How to protect your child from cyberbullying, misinformation and online predators
- Red flags and warning signs to look out for
- What to do if your child is a victim of cyberbullying or online predators
- How the upcoming social media ban will impact digital use and protection.
Top tips to keep children safe online
As Emily Jade explains in the episode, you would not hand a child car keys without driving lessons first, and social media is no different. No matter how much you limit screen time, kids will find access.
Here are our experts’ top tips:
- Keep communication open: Reduce the need for secrecy so they feel safe coming to you if something goes wrong. Let them know you’ll listen first, not judge or punish.
- Take issues seriously: Take cyberbullying and predatory behaviour seriously. Dismissing them with advice like “ignore it” or “turn it off” invalidates your child’s feelings and leaves the issue unresolved.
- Build trust and connection: Regular, relaxed conversations about online activities build more trust than one-off lectures. Consistent, open dialogue shows you care and makes it easier for your child to candidly raise concerns.
- Seek positive content: Encourage digital spaces to be a source of inspiration and creativity. Show genuine curiosity about what your child is engaging with – whether that’s the latest trending cooking recipe or craft activity, and try some together as a family.
- Set healthy boundaries and limits: Boundaries make digital use a balanced part of life, not the centre of it. Work with your child to protect their privacy by keeping accounts private and avoiding sharing identifying details like their school or location.
Listen now on your favourite podcast platform
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen to old episodes and find out more about our Building Resilient Kids podcast here.
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