As the Easter school holidays approach, many families are bracing for the inevitable screen-time juggle. New research shows 54% of Australian parents find managing screen time harder during the school holidays than during term-time. With routines relaxed and kids home more, it’s no surprise that gaming time tends to creep up.
And it’s not just occasional play. A significant 82% of Australians under 17 are now playing video games, making platforms like Roblox and Xbox a central part of many children’s social and recreational lives.
For parents, that brings a mix of opportunity and concern: how long are kids playing, who are they interacting with, and how can you ensure the experience stays safe and positive?
According to Roblox’s Global Head of Parental Advocacy, Dr Elizabeth Milovidov, the school holidays are the perfect time to reset expectations and build healthy gaming habits … without needing to be a tech expert.
Start with the basics
Before your child logs on, it’s worth setting a strong foundation.
Encourage them to choose a safe username that doesn’t reveal personal information such as their real name, age, or location. Review privacy settings together so you’re both comfortable with who they can interact with, and make sure they understand how to block or report inappropriate behaviour.
These small steps can make a big difference in protecting your child’s online experience.
Understand the platform
Roblox is one of the most popular gaming platforms for kids and teens, offering thousands of user-created games. While many are purely for entertainment, others support creativity, problem-solving and even basic coding skills.
One of the most effective ways to understand what your child is doing online is to get involved. Sit with them, ask questions, and even have a go yourself.
Simple, open-ended questions like “What do you love about this game?” or “Can you show me how it works?” can open the door to meaningful conversations without making it feel like an interrogation.
Keep the conversation going
Online gaming isn’t always smooth sailing. Kids can encounter challenges like frustration, exclusion or even bullying.
Rather than waiting for problems to arise, use everyday gaming moments to build digital resilience. Encourage your child to take breaks, switch games if something feels off, or play with friends they know and trust.
Most importantly, reinforce that they can always come to you if something doesn’t feel right. Keeping communication open helps children feel supported and more likely to speak up.
Use parental controls (without hovering)
You don’t need to watch over your child’s shoulder to keep them safe. Platforms like Roblox offer built-in parental controls that allow you to set boundaries around:
- Screen time
- Content maturity levels
- Chat and communication settings
- In-game spending
These tools can be tailored to suit your child’s age and maturity, and adjusted as they grow.
Roblox has also introduced features such as age-verification technology to help ensure that children are interacting with others in similar age groups — an added layer of reassurance for families.
School holidays are a chance to reset
The school holidays can feel like a free-for-all when it comes to screens, but they’re also a valuable opportunity to reset habits and expectations.
By setting clear screen-time boundaries, staying involved, and keeping conversations open, parents can help ensure gaming remains a safe, positive and even enriching part of their child’s day.
For more support, families can explore the eSafety Commissioner’s online gaming resources, which offer practical advice tailored to Australian households.
Want to get out and about these school holidays? Check out our huge EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE! Packed with camps, shows, activities and more to keep little ones active and engaged.
