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Kiddipedia

As we approach the Autumn school holidays, new data reveals that  54% of Australian parents of school‑aged children say screen time is harder to manage during the Easter school holidays than during the school term 1.

Why this matters
The school holidays are a time for fun and relaxation, but they also disrupt daily routines that usually help children regulate their screen time. Research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies and the eSafety Commissioner shows that when routines are disrupted, children can experience higher levels of boredom, stress, and even online risk exposure. The challenge for parents is balancing freedom with safety, while supporting social connection and wellbeing.

Understanding the screen time landscape

With the majority (82%) of Australians under age 17 playing video games, disrupted routines often lead to an uptick in screen time 2. Busy parents, many juggling work with having kids at home, are also grappling with how long their kids spend gaming, who they’re playing with, and how to ensure the experiences remain positive and age-appropriate.

During school holidays, children’s need for autonomy and social interaction is heightened, while parental supervision may be more fragmented—making it essential to have practical strategies in place.

Expert Advice for Safer Online Gaming

With rules relaxing over the holidays, Dr Elizabeth Milovidov, Roblox’s Global Head of Parental Advocacy, says the school holidays are a timely moment for families to revisit their approach to online safety.

Here are some of her practical, easy-to-understand tips designed to help parents feel informed and confident, without needing to be technical experts.

Top Tips for Parents: Safer Online Gaming

1. Start with privacy and safety basics

Before your child starts gaming, consider what privacy and safety settings might be right for them. Establishing simple steps can make a big difference in protecting their online experience:

  • Choose a safe username – Avoid real names, ages, or personal details that could identify your child. Research shows children under 12 may not recognise how identifying details can be misused online (eSafety Commissioner).

  • Set privacy settings that suit your family – Discuss who they can interact with.

  • Turn off location sharing where possible – Some games and apps include location features.

  • Familiarise yourself and your children with reporting tools – Teach them to block or report inappropriate behaviour.

Real-life scenario:
“It’s 3pm, I’m working from home, and my 10-year-old wants to play an online game. I quickly check that their privacy settings are updated and remind them of reporting rules. We both feel safer, and it only takes a minute.”

2. Get in the game

Take the time to learn about the games your children love playing. The more you know about the games and platforms, the better equipped you’ll be to guide safe and positive experiences.

Roblox example:
Roblox is one of the most popular platforms among children and teens, offering thousands of user-created games. It includes an online Safety Centre to help parents understand parental controls and provides educational experiences that promote creativity and problem-solving. Its Learning Hub has been visited over 40 million times and helps families discover enriching games.

Evidence-backed insight:
Co-playing games can improve communication, trust, and digital literacy (Australian Institute of Family Studies).

Try asking open-ended questions while playing:

  • “What do you love about this game?”

  • “How did you discover it?”

  • “What tips would help me get started?”

Parent reflection:
“Playing with my child has become our afternoon ritual. It’s fun, but it also opens natural conversations about friendships, safety, and creativity.”

3. Talk through their gaming experiences

Online games can bring challenges like bullying or stress. Start early, using everyday gaming moments to teach coping strategies and essential digital life skills.

Strategies if your child encounters issues:

  • Take a break: Use mindfulness strategies like Box Breathing or a quick walk.

  • Switch games or play with trusted friends.

  • Reinforce that asking for help is always okay.

  • Encourage approaching a trusted adult if they feel unsafe.

Why this works:
Early emotional coaching improves resilience and helps children develop coping strategies for both online and offline challenges (Headspace).

4. Get familiar with parental controls

Managing gaming doesn’t always require constant supervision—it depends on what works for your family. Most platforms and devices provide tools to help set limits on screen time, content, and interactions.

Roblox parental tools:

  • Screen time limits

  • Content maturity settings

  • Communication restrictions

  • Spending caps

Tip: Set these controls before your child starts gaming, but remember boundaries evolve as children grow.

Innovation spotlight:
Roblox now uses Facial Age Estimation to check a user’s age before enabling chat features, grouping children into age-appropriate cohorts for safer interactions.

Evidence-based insight:
Structured limits reduce conflict and support healthy behavioural regulation (Raising Children Network).

Balanced Perspective: The Upside of Gaming

While safety is important, online games also offer positive outcomes:

  • Problem-solving and strategic thinking

  • Creativity and self-expression

  • Social connection with peers

  • Digital literacy skills

Reference: Bond University, Australia Plays 2025.

Quick Start Guide for Parents (If You Do Nothing Else)

  1. Set privacy and safety basics.

  2. Play alongside your child at least once.

  3. Use parental controls and update regularly.

  4. Keep conversations open about online experiences.

  5. Check in regularly during the holidays.

Age-by-Age Guide: Safe Gaming Practices

Age Best Practices
5–8 Co-play, no chat, guided exploration
9–12 Limited chat, monitored friends, screen limits
13+ Independent play, regular check-ins, boundary discussions

Reference: eSafety Commissioner

Key Takeaways for These School Holidays

  • Cover the basics: Privacy settings, safe usernames, reporting features.

  • Get involved: Play together to encourage positive behaviour and skills.

  • Keep the conversation going: Support resilience and emotional wellbeing.

  • Make use of parental controls: Set limits around screen time, content, spending, and interactions.

The Easter holidays provide a valuable opportunity to reinforce online safety conversations. Regular check-ins help children feel supported, making it easier for them to speak up long after the Easter Bunny has hopped away.

For More Resources

For more tips and guidance, parents can also visit eSafety’s online gaming resources page for families.

References

  • 1 Pureprofile Easter Omnibus research commissioned by Roblox. Results based on parents of school‑aged children (n=555) from a national sample of 1,002 Australian adults. Fielded March 2026.

  • 2 Australia Plays 2025, Bond University & Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA).

  1. Pureprofile Easter Omnibus, commissioned by Roblox, March 2026.

  2. Australia Plays 2025, Bond University & Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA).

  3. Australian Institute of Family Studies

  4. eSafety Commissioner

  5. Raising Children Network

  6. Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne

  7. Headspace

  8. Black Dog Institute