There is a growing movement to commit to giving our primary-aged children unplugged childhoods! Dr Justin shares four things you can do NOW to give your children a play-based childhood, free from digital distractions and social media. 

Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter for more details!

In this episode:
How would an enforcement even work?
Censorship
Age-verification for social media
Importance of holding platforms accountable
A movement to keep smartphones and social media out of primary school
Unplugged childhood
Kids need smart parents not smart phones

Related links:
Tech Giants Are Anti-Kids - Happy Families
#991 This Week In Parenting: Vape Zones, Baby Bans, & Nicotine Pouches
 How Do I Get My Daughter To Drop Social Media And Study For Exams? - Happy Families
Social media has the “exact same negative effect on depression” as eating potatoes | Quartz

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There is a growing movement to commit to giving our primary-aged children unplugged childhoods! Dr Justin shares four things you can do NOW to give your children a play-based childhood, free from digital distractions and social media. 
Subscribe to the Happy Families <a href="https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.activehosted.com/f/40">newsletter</a> for more details!
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>How would an enforcement even work?</li>
<li>Censorship</li>
<li>Age-verification for social media</li>
<li>Importance of holding platforms accountable</li>
<li>A movement to keep smartphones and social media out of primary school</li>
<li>Unplugged childhood</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/kids-need-smart-parents-not-smart-phones">Kids need smart parents not smart phones</a></li>
</ul>
Related links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/tech-giants-are-anti-kids">Tech Giants Are Anti-Kids - Happy Families</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast/episode/991-this-week-in-parenting-vape-zones-baby-bans-nicotine-pouches">#991 This Week In Parenting: Vape Zones, Baby Bans, &amp; Nicotine Pouches</a></li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/how-do-i-get-my-daughter-to-drop-social-media-and-study-for-exams"> How Do I Get My Daughter To Drop Social Media And Study For Exams? - Happy Families</a></li>
<li><a href="https://qz.com/1309814/social-media-has-the-exact-same-negative-effect-on-depression-as-eating-potatoes">Social media has the “exact same negative effect on depression” as eating potatoes | Quartz</a></li>
</ul>
Find us on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamilies.au/"> Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@happyfamiliesau">TikTok</a>
Subscribe to the Happy Families <a href="https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.activehosted.com/f/40">newsletter</a>
Leave a <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/podcast">voice memo here</a> or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.au
Find out more about joining THE QUEST at <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/the-quest">our website</a>

Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.

From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

Deciding which parenting advice to follow?&nbsp;Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia&rsquo;s most downloaded parenting podcast.
Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.
From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

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

#998 Social Media Shutdown

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/ebd99a1a-8fb0-4a0c-b726-b17600d851bd/transcript

One in three Australian kids is struggling to read at the expected level. In a classroom of 30, that’s 10 children falling behind.

Justin speaks with Rachel Amorosakra from Reading Out of Poverty about what poor literacy looks like for kids, why access to books in the first five years matters so much, and the confronting reality for children in remote communities who may not own a single book.

With Book Week approaching, they look at a practical way families can help put culturally appropriate books into the hands of children in East Arnhem Land.

KEY POINTS
One in three Australian children is not meeting grade-level expectations in reading.
Struggling to read affects far more than English. It can make maths, science and other subjects harder too.
Falling behind can leave children embarrassed, disengaged and believing they simply aren't smart.
The first five years are critical for building vocabulary, imagination and early literacy skills.
Books create connection between children and caregivers, not just reading skills.
Many children in remote East Arnhem Land communities have little access to books.
Reading Out of Poverty is providing culturally appropriate literacy packs to children this Book Week.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Books aren't just about the reading itself. It's about building connection with parents and caregivers.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Reading Out of Poverty
Book Week
Reading Out of Poverty literacy packs for children in East Arnhem Land
Each $25 donation funds one literacy pack containing five age-appropriate books and educational resources.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Read with your child regularly, especially during the early years.
Make books easy to reach and part of everyday family life.
Let young children choose books they want to hear again and again.
Use stories as time to connect, talk and explore ideas together.
This Book Week, consider donating a literacy pack to help a child in East Arnhem Land access books of their own.

One in three Australian kids is struggling to read at the expected level. In a classroom of 30, that&rsquo;s 10 children falling behind.
Justin speaks with Rachel Amorosakra from <a href="https://roop.org.au/">Reading Out of Poverty</a> about what poor literacy looks like for kids, why access to books in the first five years matters so much, and the confronting reality for children in remote communities who may not own a single book.
With Book Week approaching, they look at a practical way families can help put culturally appropriate books into the hands of children in East Arnhem Land.
KEY POINTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>One in three Australian children is not meeting grade-level expectations in reading.</li>
<li>Struggling to read affects far more than English. It can make maths, science and other subjects harder too.</li>
<li>Falling behind can leave children embarrassed, disengaged and believing they simply aren't smart.</li>
<li>The first five years are critical for building vocabulary, imagination and early literacy skills.</li>
<li>Books create connection between children and caregivers, not just reading skills.</li>
<li>Many children in remote East Arnhem Land communities have little access to books.</li>
<li>Reading Out of Poverty is providing culturally appropriate literacy packs to children this Book Week.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Books aren't just about the reading itself. It's about building connection with parents and caregivers.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul data-spread="false">
<li><a href="https://roop.org.au/">Reading Out of Poverty</a></li>
<li><a href="https://cbca.org.au/childrens-book-week/">Book Week</a></li>
<li><a href="https://roop.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/ROOP-Book-Week-Pack.pdf">Reading Out of Poverty literacy packs</a> for children in East Arnhem Land</li>
<li>Each <a href="https://roop.org.au/book-week-2026-donation/">$25 donation</a> funds one literacy pack containing five age-appropriate books and educational resources.</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Read with your child regularly, especially during the early years.</li>
<li>Make books easy to reach and part of everyday family life.</li>
<li>Let young children choose books they want to hear again and again.</li>
<li>Use stories as time to connect, talk and explore ideas together.</li>
<li>This Book Week, consider donating a literacy pack to help a child in East Arnhem Land access books of their own.</li>
</ul>

The Reading Crisis Hitting Aussie Kids

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/e9245f0d-a5ae-422b-9ad5-b49a00b075ac/transcript

Firstborns tend to earn more, study longer and experience better mental health than their younger siblings. For decades, researchers have struggled to explain why.

A huge study following 1.2 million Danish children has uncovered a surprising piece of the puzzle. It may have less to do with personality or favouritism and more to do with germs, early illness and the extra time firstborns get with their parents.

In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack what birth order research actually tells us, why the first six months matter so much, and the simple things parents can do to help level the playing field.

KEY POINTS
Firstborns show small but consistent advantages in earnings, education and mental health across large population studies.
Younger siblings are more likely to be exposed to respiratory illnesses during their first year, often brought home by older siblings.
Early illness may explain a significant portion of the birth order gap.
Firstborns can receive thousands more hours of reading, talking and playing with parents by age 13.
Birth order is not destiny. These findings describe population averages, not what will happen to an individual child.
Parents can reduce some of these differences through illness prevention, connection and intentional one-on-one time.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Your youngest child is not doomed, your eldest is not blessed.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Article in The Washington

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Keep recommended immunisations up to date and discuss newborn protection with your healthcare provider.
Breastfeed if you can and if it works for your family.
Get older siblings washing their hands when they come home from school or daycare.
Keep sick siblings away from newborns, particularly during the first six months.
Make space for one-on-one reading, talking and play with younger children.
Forget the stopwatch. Aim to be available and connected rather than trying to divide your attention perfectly equally.

Firstborns tend to earn more, study longer and experience better mental health than their younger siblings. For decades, researchers have struggled to explain why.
A huge study following 1.2 million Danish children has uncovered a surprising piece of the puzzle. It may have less to do with personality or favouritism and more to do with germs, early illness and the extra time firstborns get with their parents.
In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack what birth order research actually tells us, why the first six months matter so much, and the simple things parents can do to help level the playing field.
KEY POINTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Firstborns show small but consistent advantages in earnings, education and mental health across large population studies.</li>
<li>Younger siblings are more likely to be exposed to respiratory illnesses during their first year, often brought home by older siblings.</li>
<li>Early illness may explain a significant portion of the birth order gap.</li>
<li>Firstborns can receive thousands more hours of reading, talking and playing with parents by age 13.</li>
<li>Birth order is not destiny. These findings describe population averages, not what will happen to an individual child.</li>
<li>Parents can reduce some of these differences through illness prevention, connection and intentional one-on-one time.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Your youngest child is not doomed, your eldest is not blessed.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul data-spread="false">
<li><a href="https://apple.news/Axuq1-WZlT2GJXlKZU-s56Q">Article</a> in The Washington</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Keep recommended immunisations up to date and discuss newborn protection with your healthcare provider.</li>
<li>Breastfeed if you can and if it works for your family.</li>
<li>Get older siblings washing their hands when they come home from school or daycare.</li>
<li>Keep sick siblings away from newborns, particularly during the first six months.</li>
<li>Make space for one-on-one reading, talking and play with younger children.</li>
<li>Forget the stopwatch. Aim to be available and connected rather than trying to divide your attention perfectly equally.</li>
</ul>

How Birth Order Affects Your Future

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/d79f6de8-c854-43c4-8a08-b49a00b04af9/transcript

Friendship isn't just part of childhood. It shapes confidence, mental health and whether kids feel they belong. So why does it seem harder than ever?

Michelle Mitchell joins Dr Justin Coulson to unpack the biggest friendship mistakes parents make, why today's kids need more than "just go and play", and the simple framework that helps children build healthier, stronger relationships. If your child is dealing with friendship drama, loneliness or constant social ups and downs, this conversation will change the way you guide them.

KEY POINTS
Why friendship struggles sit behind so many school and wellbeing issues.
What's changed for today's kids and why friendships feel more complicated than ever.
Michelle Mitchell's three-part friendship framework: safety, chemistry and effort.
How to help children recognise healthy, one-sided and situational friendships.
Why parents shouldn't feel guilty for staying involved in their child's friendships.
Practical advice for supporting neurodivergent children to build meaningful connections.
The surprising research about bullying that every parent needs to hear.
How technology is quietly changing what children expect from friendships.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"Friendships are founded on safety. They gather energy through chemistry. They're sustained through effort."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Friendship Smart by Michelle Mitchell.
A Little More Social by Nicholas Epley.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Talk about one friendship with your child this week using three questions. Does it feel safe? Is there real connection? Are both people putting in effort?
Help your child see that not every friendship needs to be equally close.
Look beyond school for friendships through family, neighbours, hobbies and community groups.
Notice when technology is shaping your child's expectations of friendship and talk openly about what healthy relationships look like.
Remind your child that strong friendships grow over time through trust, kindness and consistency.

Friendship isn't just part of childhood. It shapes confidence, mental health and whether kids feel they belong. So why does it seem harder than ever?
<a href="https://michellemitchell.org/">Michelle Mitchell</a> joins Dr Justin Coulson to unpack the biggest friendship mistakes parents make, why today's kids need more than "just go and play", and the simple framework that helps children build healthier, stronger relationships. If your child is dealing with friendship drama, loneliness or constant social ups and downs, this conversation will change the way you guide them.
KEY POINTS
<ul data-start="670" data-end="1363">
<li data-section-id="1vct01b" data-start="670" data-end="744">Why friendship struggles sit behind so many school and wellbeing issues.</li>
<li data-section-id="1eqs39e" data-start="745" data-end="831">What's changed for today's kids and why friendships feel more complicated than ever.</li>
<li data-section-id="1sz3hu8" data-start="832" data-end="916">Michelle Mitchell's three-part friendship framework: safety, chemistry and effort.</li>
<li data-section-id="c8jwda" data-start="917" data-end="997">How to help children recognise healthy, one-sided and situational friendships.</li>
<li data-section-id="19xeloy" data-start="998" data-end="1084">Why parents shouldn't feel guilty for staying involved in their child's friendships.</li>
<li data-section-id="5rwns9" data-start="1085" data-end="1175">Practical advice for supporting neurodivergent children to build meaningful connections.</li>
<li data-section-id="1mno9b1" data-start="1176" data-end="1249">The surprising research about bullying that every parent needs to hear.</li>
<li data-section-id="1kq36i6" data-start="1250" data-end="1363">How technology is quietly changing what children expect from friendships.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
<blockquote data-start="1391" data-end="1539">
"Friendships are founded on safety. They gather energy through chemistry. They're sustained through effort."
</blockquote>
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul data-start="1566" data-end="1708">
<li data-section-id="sazqd" data-start="1566" data-end="1608"><a href="https://michellemitchell.org/friendship-smart-book/?srsltid=AfmBOorZnG1W7GlvuixOh0nNBGHOpIKfhcDQ7GhzfZf4GByF8nurP8Ng">Friendship Smart</a> by Michelle Mitchell.</li>
<li data-section-id="1rf8see" data-start="1609" data-end="1652"><a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/671591/a-little-more-social-by-nicholas-epley/">A Little More Social</a> by Nicholas Epley.</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul data-start="1740" data-end="2340">
<li data-section-id="ezz1zh" data-start="1740" data-end="1896">Talk about one friendship with your child this week using three questions. Does it feel safe? Is there real connection? Are both people putting in effort?</li>
<li data-section-id="1hhyc4k" data-start="1897" data-end="1971">Help your child see that not every friendship needs to be equally close.</li>
<li data-section-id="76qytf" data-start="1972" data-end="2066">Look beyond school for friendships through family, neighbours, hobbies and community groups.</li>
<li data-section-id="17soic8" data-start="2067" data-end="2202">Notice when technology is shaping your child's expectations of friendship and talk openly about what healthy relationships look like.</li>
<li data-section-id="1lyechf" data-start="2203" data-end="2340">Remind your child that strong friendships grow over time through trust, kindness and consistency.</li>
</ul>

The Friendship Skills Every Child Needs [with Michelle Mitchell]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/27f4cb8c-9894-421f-8509-b49a00b02803/transcript

#998 Social Media Shutdown

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