What’s Happening?

Topic: Young children’s digital technology use – what is appropriate use and what are the impacts on child development and health?
Date: Monday 16 February 2026
Time: 6.30pm
Presenter: The Curtin University Healthy Digital Child Team

Australian parents rank screen use as their number one health concern for their children. The digital world is very different to when current parents where children – and many feel ill equipped to help their children develop into adults who can safely and productively use this technology – that is now critical to daily life functioning for most people. Occupational therapists have an important role in assisting families to achieve that goal. This presentation will provide you with the knowledge to assist you in this challenging role.

You will be provided:
An overview of the current public health guidelines for screen use – and how their current focus on time is making it difficult for families, and professionals supporting families to actually help children develop into safe and productive users of technology
A summary of contemporary evidence on risks and benefits of digital technology use
Learnings from ongoing research on the role of professionals working with families and how families would like to be supported.

About the Presenters:
Dr Juliana Zabatiero is a chief investigator of the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child, leading a team of early career researchers together with Prof Leon Straker. Our team includes researchers with varied backgrounds, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, exercise science, biomechanics, and public health.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85724895292