Digital Childhood: When screen time becomes struggle time

The theme of Child Protection Week 2025 is ‘every conversation matters’, and we are taking this opportunity to launch a series of events, workshops and support groups for parents/carers who struggle with their families relationship to technology and the online space.

Our launch event is an engaging live talk entitled Digital Childhood: When screen time becomes struggle time, with Brad Marshall.

Brad Marshall, widely known as The Unplugged Psychologist, delivers engaging and evidence-based presentations focused on managing problematic technology use in children and young people. Drawing on his extensive clinical experience and research, Brad explains the psychology behind screen addiction, covering gaming, social media, and smartphone use in a clear, relatable way that resonates with parents, educators, and professionals alike.

His presentations centre around The Tech Diet, a practical, step-by-step approach that empowers families to regain balance without resorting to extreme measures or total bans. Brad outlines clear warning signs of tech overuse, such as mood changes, sleep issues, and withdrawal from offline life, and provides realistic strategies that can be implemented immediately.

Through real-life examples, humour, and a non-judgmental tone, Brad helps audiences understand how to set healthy boundaries, improve communication at home, and foster positive digital habits. Attendees walk away with the “7 Unplugged Steps”  a practical framework designed to reduce conflict, promote wellbeing, and support young people in developing a healthier relationship with technology.

Following Brad's keynote speech, we will break for supper, and then return for an interactive Q&A session. Your chance to ask Brad all the curly questions!

This event is brought to you by the Coalition Against Violence and Abuse (CAVA) in partnership with Thrive Services, Mountains Community Resource Network (MCRN), and Blue Mountains City Council.

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