The Stats on Scrolling
New research, commissioned by Dairy Farmers, reveals the extent of harm that excessive small screen time is causing Australian kids. It also exposes just how quickly kids were able to circumvent the Federal Government’s world-first ban on social media for children under the age of 16, implemented in December 2025.
the time kids spend on small screens versus physical activity daily
say small screen use negatively impacts their child’s wellbeing
under 16 with prior social media access bypassed the government's social media ban
Child and Adolescent Psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg said the research shows we’re in the middle of a lifestyle crisis with the excessive time kids spend on their phone affecting their exercise, sleep, diet and wellbeing.
“Today we have replaced a play based childhood with a screen based childhood, which has resulted in much less physical activity outside of home, with terrible consequences for children's physical and psychological development.”
Note: Australian guidelines recommend children aged 5 - 17 spend no more than 2 hours a day on screens, not including school work, and spend 1 hour a day doing physical activity.
*Scrolling Girl Research' was conducted online by YouGov Australia (3 - 12 March 2026) among parents/guardians of children aged 6-17. Commissioned by Dairy Farmers data weighted to represent all Australian adults 18+
Hear more from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg about the impacts of excessive screen time.