There’s no doubt that the mental health of young people is a growing concern, and it’s easy to point fingers at social media. Calls to ban kids under 14 from using social platforms are gaining momentum, with legislation being considered in Australia. Logistically, it’s hard to see how this could work, especially with US-based Big Tech companies unlikely to cooperate with our demands. Even if they did, banning social media outright might not be the solution we think it is. Instead, we should be looking at the broader picture: how much time children are spending on their devices, not just what they’re doing.
In fact, social media apps can have significant advantages for young people when used in moderation. Our daughter learned how to cook and draw via YouTube, and she chats and shares a laugh with friends and family interstate that she can’t see in person. These platforms can foster creativity, social connection, and learning—skills that are valuable in today’s digital world.
The reality is that social media is just one part of a much bigger issue: kids are simply spending too much time on screens, and it’s taking away from other essential activities that contribute to their well-being. Sleep, physical exercise, face-to-face interaction, outdoor play, and real-life fun are being sacrificed. It’s not just social media that’s to blame, it’s the unbalanced relationship with technology – take away social media, and kids will spend that time playing online games instead.
This is where effective screen time management comes in. Instead of demonizing specific apps, we should be empowering parents and children to make healthy decisions about how and when they use screens. Banning social media doesn’t teach children how to manage their time or develop a healthy relationship with technology. It simply takes away the option, leaving them unprepared for when they inevitably have access to these platforms later in life.
What we need instead is a solution that helps children and families manage screen time in a balanced way. This is where ScreenCoach comes in. ScreenCoach is an Australian app that helps families manage kids’ screen time by limiting access to certain apps at specific times and rewarding children for activities and time spent off screens. Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, ScreenCoach encourages healthy screen habits by teaching kids how to manage their time and prioritize other important aspects of life.
Rather than restricting access to social media, we should focus on creating a healthier relationship with technology. By using tools like ScreenCoach, parents can ensure their children are getting enough sleep, exercising, and engaging in real-world activities—while still allowing them to benefit from the educational and social opportunities that technology provides.
In a world where screens aren’t going away anytime soon, we need solutions that reflect the realities of modern life. Rather than banning social media, let’s focus on managing how children engage with technology. By addressing the root cause—the overuse of devices—we can equip the next generation to grow up healthy, happy, and digitally responsible. ScreenCoach is the answer to helping families achieve this balance, empowering children and parents to take control of their digital lives together.
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