Childcare scandals. Social media bans. Kids spending nine hours a day glued to screens. As Child Protection Week shines a spotlight on children’s safety, parents are asking: How do I really protect my kids — both online and in real life?

Dr Justin Coulson speaks with Dr Katrina Lines, CEO of Act for Kids, about shocking new research and simple ways families can protect kids online and in real life.

KEY POINTS:
Why removing men from childcare is not the solution — and what really needs to change.
Surprising new research: kids actually prefer time with family over screens.
Why kids resist screen limits but thrive when they finally log off.
How to “meet in the middle” by joining kids in their online world.
Preparing your family for the upcoming social media age ban.
Simple daily strategies to create real-life connection, even in busy households.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
 “This is the important stuff — not the cooking, not the laundry — but listening and being present with our kids.” — Dr Katrina Lines

RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Act for Kids: Let’s Connect IRL
Happy Families Resources

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
Create small daily “connection moments” — in the car, over dinner, or while cooking.
Join your child occasionally in their online world to build trust and safety.
Open conversations now about the upcoming social media age ban — listen, don’t dismiss.
Plan one weekly family activity that everyone can look forward to.

Childcare scandals. Social media bans. Kids spending nine hours a day glued to screens. As Child Protection Week shines a spotlight on children&rsquo;s safety, parents are asking: How do I really protect my kids &mdash; both online and in real life?
Dr Justin Coulson speaks with Dr Katrina Lines, CEO of Act for Kids, about shocking new research and simple ways families can protect kids online and in real life.
KEY POINTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why removing men from childcare is not the solution &mdash; and what really needs to change.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Surprising new research: kids actually prefer time with family over screens.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why kids resist screen limits but thrive when they finally log off.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to &ldquo;meet in the middle&rdquo; by joining kids in their online world.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Preparing your family for the upcoming social media age ban.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Simple daily strategies to create real-life connection, even in busy households.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;This is the important stuff &mdash; not the cooking, not the laundry &mdash; but listening and being present with our kids.&rdquo; &mdash; Dr Katrina Lines
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Act for Kids: <a href="https://www.actforkids.com.au/child-protection-week-2025/">Let&rsquo;s Connect IRL</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families Resources</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Create small daily &ldquo;connection moments&rdquo; &mdash; in the car, over dinner, or while cooking.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Join your child occasionally in their online world to build trust and safety.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Open conversations now about the upcoming social media age ban &mdash; listen, don&rsquo;t dismiss.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Plan one weekly family activity that everyone can look forward to.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

Kids Say They Want THIS More Than Screen Time — Are You Giving It to Them?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/c5400eaf-7985-4387-93c9-b34700c36aae/transcript