Key findings
Excessive screen time has emerged as the top ‘big problem’ for the health of Australian children and teenagers.
The first Australian Child Health Poll reveals the top ten child health problems as reported by the Australian public.
The top ten child health problems as told by the Australian public are:
- Excessive screen time
- Obesity
- Not enough physical activity
- Unhealthy diet
- Bullying
- Illegal drug use
- Family and domestic violence
- Internet safety
- Child abuse and neglect
- Suicide
Director of the poll, Dr Anthea Rhodes said modern day health problems such as those identified in the top ten are often easier to ignore than address.
“These issues have become so engrained in our lives that they’re almost perceived as unsolvable problems. But we now know that the community considers them to be the biggest health problems for children and teenagers today.”
Some of the key findings show that:
- Almost 60% of Australians say excessive screen time is a big health problem for Australian children and young people.
- Parents rate obesity more frequently as a big problem for children in the community than for their own children.
- One in ten parents rate dental issues as a big problem for their own children.
- The top ten perceived health problems relate to modern lifestyle, mental health concerns and child safety.
- Excessive screen time was the most frequently identified big problem followed by obesity, not enough physical activity and unhealthy diet.
Poll report
Top ten child health problems: What the public thinks
Download report
Poll questions
Top ten child health problems: What the public thinks
Download poll questions
In the news
The Huffington Post Australia
Excessive screen time and obesity rated as top child health concerns of Aussie parents
The Age
Too much screen time is biggest health concern for kids, parents say
The Courier Mail
SBS
Kids top health issue too much screen time
The West Australian
Parents fears kids exposed to screens too long
Mamamia
Biggest health concerns for kids is from screentime
Sky News
Kids top health issue too much screen time
ABC News
Excessive screen time, obesity main health concerns for children, study says
Information for parents
Read Dr Anthea Rhodes’ blog about dealing with screen-based entertainment: Top tips on ‘unplugging’ your kids
Child safety
Diet and lifestyle
- Raising Children Network
- Australian Government Department of Health Guidelines
- Active Healthy Kids Australia
Drug and alcohol use
Family violence
Mental health
Screen time
Sleep
Screen time is a big problem all over the world. To help kids we need to make sure they use their devices in moderation. getScreen.com offers a solution.
Try it out getScreen.com/install
Parents can find useful information to support their children’s healthy use of media at http://www.childrenandmedia.org.au and encouragement to start early and smart with screens before dependence on screens becomes a habit.
The content of this website is based on current research collated by the Australian Council on Children and the Media.
And has reviews of current movies and apps prepared by reviewers with child development expertise to support age-appropriate choices.
Turn off the electronic devices.
Easier said than done?
But it can be done.
I have two children, 9 and 6 years. They do not use any electronic
devices at all. They are thriving. None of the top 10 are issues for them.
I know many families that don’t allow expose to their
children to electronic devices. They are all thriving.