Screens, school, and AI are about to collide—and families will feel it first. In this fast, punchy episode, Justin breaks down four major trends set to hit parents in 2026: hybrid schooling, AI chatbots, the messy social media ban, and the rise of screen-free childhood. If you want to understand what’s coming—and how it will impact your kids—start here.

KEY POINTS
Hybrid Education Exodus: homeschooling + online learning + co-ops = flexible mash-ups
AI Goes Critical: chatbots linked to self-harm, loneliness & regulatory crackdowns
Social Media Ban Backfires: VPNs, loopholes & vulnerable teens losing support
Screen-Free Childhood Surges: parents push for play, device reduction & analogue life

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“If you find ways every single day to genuinely connect with your kids, your relationship will flourish—this year, next year, and every year after.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Federal under-16 social media legislation
eSafety Commission actions & guidance
Alternative schooling, homeschooling & co-op models
AI chatbot research around teen mental health

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Watch for AI chatbots disguised as “companions” or “friends”
Review school tech policies + device expectations for K-6
Consider flexible learning pathways if school is breaking your child
Prioritise screen-free play for under-12s
Keep tech conversations calm, connected and ongoing—not punitive

Screens, school, and AI are about to collide&mdash;and families will feel it first. In this fast, punchy episode, Justin breaks down four major trends set to hit parents in 2026: hybrid schooling, AI chatbots, the messy social media ban, and the rise of screen-free childhood. If you want to understand what&rsquo;s coming&mdash;and how it will impact your kids&mdash;start here.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Hybrid Education Exodus: homeschooling + online learning + co-ops = flexible mash-ups</li>
<li aria-level="1">AI Goes Critical: chatbots linked to self-harm, loneliness &amp; regulatory crackdowns</li>
<li aria-level="1">Social Media Ban Backfires: VPNs, loopholes &amp; vulnerable teens losing support</li>
<li aria-level="1">Screen-Free Childhood Surges: parents push for play, device reduction &amp; analogue life</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;If you find ways every single day to genuinely connect with your kids, your relationship will flourish&mdash;this year, next year, and every year after.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Federal under-16 social media legislation</li>
<li aria-level="1">eSafety Commission actions &amp; guidance</li>
<li aria-level="1">Alternative schooling, homeschooling &amp; co-op models</li>
<li aria-level="1">AI chatbot research around teen mental health</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Watch for AI chatbots disguised as &ldquo;companions&rdquo; or &ldquo;friends&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Review school tech policies + device expectations for K-6</li>
<li aria-level="1">Consider flexible learning pathways if school is breaking your child</li>
<li aria-level="1">Prioritise screen-free play for under-12s</li>
<li aria-level="1">Keep tech conversations calm, connected and ongoing&mdash;not punitive</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

The Parenting Trends That Will Reshape 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/64d72f49-8591-4429-aa8f-b3cf000e90c1/transcript