SCHOOL holidays in Australia are a time for family outings, road trips, playdates, and, let’s be honest, more screen time than usual.

With kids home from school, routines can quickly unravel, and screens become both a lifeline and a source of parental guilt.But here’s a different perspective: it’s not about banning screens altogether. It’s about finding a balance that works for your family and recognising that screens can be a tool for connection, learning, and even rest.
Why Screen Time Spikes in the Holidays
When kids are home for weeks at a time, the natural structure of the school day disappears. Parents might still be working, juggling house chores, or organising outings, so screens become a convenient way to keep children entertained and safe.Dr Anthea Rhodes, paediatrician and Director of the Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll, notes that 'parents often feel anxious about screen use, especially in school holidays, but it’s important to distinguish between harmful and helpful use.' In other words, not all screen time is created equal.
What the Guidelines Say
The Australian Department of Health recommends that children aged 5–17 have no more than two hours of recreational screen time per day. That doesn’t include online homework or learning activities but does cover games, movies, and social media.Of course, those guidelines are ideal-world numbers. During holidays, it’s natural for kids to watch an extra movie or spend more time gaming with friends online. The key is to make sure screens don’t crowd out physical activity, sleep, and face-to-face connection.
4 Strategies for Balance
1. Set Flexible Boundaries.
Rigid rules often backfire, especially during holidays when kids expect a bit more freedom. Instead, try flexible boundaries:
- Allow screen use at certain times of day (e.g. after outdoor play or chores).
- Use timers or visual charts so kids know what to expect.Child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg has long argued that 'clear expectations are the most powerful parenting tool we have,' and holidays are no exception.
2. Balance Screens with Alternatives.
When screens go off, boredom often sets in — but that boredom can spark creativity. Keep a list of alternatives handy: backyard games, baking, library trips, or even building a cubby with bedsheets.Holiday outings don’t need to be expensive either. A bushwalk, a swim at the local pool, or a play at the park all help burn energy and break up long days at home.
3. Make Screen Time Purposeful.
Not all screen time is passive. Educational apps, creative games like Minecraft, or family movie nights can be enriching and even bonding. Encourage content that sparks conversation or imagination.For younger kids, co-viewing — watching alongside them — helps you understand what they’re seeing and gives opportunities to talk about it. For older kids, asking questions ('What do you like about this game?') helps you stay connected without policing.
4. Model Healthy Habits.
Children notice when parents scroll endlessly at the dinner table. Try setting family-wide 'no phone' zones — like at meals or bedtime. Even small changes, like charging devices outside the bedroom, show kids that balance is possible.
Holiday Hacks for Sanity
- Create a rhythm: Plan mornings for outings or play, afternoons for downtime (including screens), evenings for family activities.
- Use screen time strategically: Save it for when you need quiet time — during work calls, meal prep, or the younger sibling’s nap.
- Reward balance: Let kids earn extra screen time after physical play, reading, or helping with chores.
It’s About Balance, Not Perfection
Parents often feel guilty about relying on screens, but as Dr Rhodes reminds us, 'screen time only becomes a problem when it replaces sleep, exercise, or relationships.' Holidays are for memories, not rigid rules.So if the kids watch a few extra movies this week while you get a moment of peace — take the win. Balance isn’t perfect; it’s practical.
Final Thought
Screens will always be part of modern family life, but they don’t have to take over. With flexible boundaries, purposeful choices, and a focus on connection, school holidays can be both fun and balanced.And when the holidays are over, the memories your kids carry won’t be of the hours spent on tablets — they’ll be of the tee-pee tent in the lounge room, the trip to the zoo, or the night everyone laughed through a silly movie together.

By Camelia Vasile
References
- Dr Anthea Rhodes, Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll https://rchpoll.org.au/about/
- Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, Child Psychologist & Parenting Expert https://michaelcarrgregg.com/
- Australian Department of Health, 'Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Children' https://www.health.gov.au/topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-children-and-young-people-5-to-17-years