Discussion 4 Grrrr get off that device now

Next date: Wednesday, 13 August 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Presented by Mark Le Messurier 2022 SA Senior Australian of the Year

Discussion 4: Grrrr, get off that device now!

This workshop is not a cybersafe workshop, although indirectly it is. Rather it is an opportunity to review and reset your thinking about your child’s love for screens - video gaming, YouTube, Tik Tok and all things social media. It is concerned with the psychology, emotion and behaviour required to get the balance right.

The truth is, there are no quick fixes, just sensible understanding, hard work, leaver guidance, deft management and persistence. What a brave new world you face as parents. You are the first generation to parent children growing up with technology built to be absolutely irresistible. Given that the ‘off switches’ in kid’s brains are not fully developed until they reach their mid to late twenties, it’s no wonder that the lure of screens creates a ‘perfect storm’ in so many homes and classrooms.

Let’s get practical and keep our eye on the greatest prize. This is to maintain a buoyant and connected relationship with our kids, even through the tough times. By doing so, we can chip away at teaching balance between screens, recreation, and real life. And, to do this our kids need us on their side – not against them, fighting them, being superior and putting their interest down. When we blatantly fight them, we turn their desire for screens into a crazed chase for forbidden fruit. As soon as they know you ‘hate screens’ and you’re the ‘screen police’, the battle is on and can become seriously fierce and destructive. Yes, yes, yes, limits on screens are necessary, but the goal and method must be about managing ‘time’ - never going to war over screens.

DISCUSSION GROUP SESSIONS

Wednesday 13 August, 10am - 12noon

Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton

Cost: Free, bookings essential.

For more information contact the Centre on 8372 5180 or email fpcc@unley.sa.gov.au

Parents can attend personalised sessions with child behaviour expert Mark Le Messurier throughout 2025, as he presents a different parenting topic each session. Numbers will be limited. Participants have the opportunity for discussion and to raise their own issues. Book one, a few or all sessions. We ask if you reserve a place in these free sessions that you do your best to attend. We are unable to cater for children in these sessions.

When

Location

Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton, 5063, View Map