A group of Victorian childcare centres recently conducted a "digital detox", removing screens, cameras, Spotify, YouTube, and other technology from classrooms. What happened next surprised even the educators involved.

In this episode, Justin talks with early childhood expert Anna Russell about the remarkable changes they observed: calmer classrooms, more engaged children, increased language development, stronger relationships, and even better sleep routines.

If you've ever wondered whether young children really need so much technology in their early years, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into what happens when educators return to the basics of connection, conversation, play, and presence.

KEY POINTS
Why one childcare organisation removed all classroom technology for two weeks
The surprising fears educators had before the experiment began
How children's behaviour, engagement, and communication changed
Why teachers reported feeling more fulfilled despite being more tired
The unexpected response from parents
What families can do if they want less technology in their child's early learning environment
Why relationships matter more than digital documentation

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"What I need from you is to send my child home happy, healthy, and knowing more than they did when they walked in this morning." — Anna Russell

RESOURCES MENTIONED
National Model Code for technology use in early childhood settings
Happy Families Membership

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Ask your childcare service how technology is used throughout the day.
Focus on your child's wellbeing and learning rather than receiving constant photos and updates.
Spend a few minutes connecting with educators at drop-off and pick-up.
Encourage more face-to-face interaction, storytelling, reading, and singing in your child's daily routine.
Advocate for connection-based learning experiences over screen-based activities.

A group of Victorian childcare centres recently conducted a "digital detox", removing screens, cameras, Spotify, YouTube, and other technology from classrooms. What happened next surprised even the educators involved.
In this episode, Justin talks with early childhood expert Anna Russell about the remarkable changes they observed: calmer classrooms, more engaged children, increased language development, stronger relationships, and even better sleep routines.
If you've ever wondered whether young children really need so much technology in their early years, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into what happens when educators return to the basics of connection, conversation, play, and presence.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why one childcare organisation removed all classroom technology for two weeks</li>
<li aria-level="1">The surprising fears educators had before the experiment began</li>
<li aria-level="1">How children's behaviour, engagement, and communication changed</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why teachers reported feeling more fulfilled despite being more tired</li>
<li aria-level="1">The unexpected response from parents</li>
<li aria-level="1">What families can do if they want less technology in their child's early learning environment</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why relationships matter more than digital documentation</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"What I need from you is to send my child home happy, healthy, and knowing more than they did when they walked in this morning." &mdash; Anna Russell
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-07/National%20Model%20Code%20Taking%20Images%20and%20Videos.pdf">National Model Code</a> for technology use in early childhood settings</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/membership">Happy Families Membership</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Ask your childcare service how technology is used throughout the day.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Focus on your child's wellbeing and learning rather than receiving constant photos and updates.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Spend a few minutes connecting with educators at drop-off and pick-up.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Encourage more face-to-face interaction, storytelling, reading, and singing in your child's daily routine.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Advocate for connection-based learning experiences over screen-based activities.</li>
</ul>

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

Removing Screens From Childcare [with Anna Russell]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/10e3ef8c-a70a-4177-9875-b46b00c72d9d/transcript