Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

A few months ago we spoke about the momentum that was building for age restrictions around social media for children under 16.  On Friday those laws were passed in the Australian Parliament, so we thought this was the perfect opportunity to replay this episode, as it will help your family navigate the changes that are ahead. In Australia, children below a certain age will be banned from social media as part of a national plan to counter its negative effects on youth. We discuss the government's commitments, the challenges this new legislation may face, and what parents can do now to protect their kids in a screen-saturated world. In this episode: 'National Social Media Age Limit' | A Current Affair Why 13+ is the current legal age Collecting personal data Politics and obstacles facing this legislation The impact of social media on kids Using screens well: with intentionality, self-regulation, limits Play-based childhood vs screen-based childhood Holding tech companies accountable What parents can do while waiting for legislation to pass Kids need smart parents not smartphones Building community Unplug Childhood - sign the pledge & join the village today!  The Screen Smart Series: 'Unplug Childhood' & 'Tweens, Teens & Screens' (included in membership). Related links:  #980 The Anxious Generation With Jonathan Haidt Tech Giants are Anti-Kids Black Friday sale ends tonight!  Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Friday, which means our weekly 'I'll Do Better Tomorrow' reflections, looking back on the week that was and thinking of ways we can improve as parents. As the year winds down, Kylie and Justin reflect on their goals and parenting approaches, offering a mix of humor, candid thoughts, and lessons learned. Topics discussed in this episode: Our words of the year - EMBRACE (Kylie) and PRESENT (Justin) - did we live up to them? Justin putting the important things on hold to have fun with the kids. The "good enough" parent Fun pool games Homeschool reflections Kylie discovering that the things we have always held tightly to, may not be what's important now. Find massive savings during the Happy Families Black Friday Sale Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive with us into three issues impacting parents today: Woolies has partnered with Roblox (and parents are mad!). The rise of nicotine pouches among teens as a discreet alternative to vaping or smoking. Proposed legislation to ban kids under 16 from accessing social media and the challenges of enforcement. In this episode: Roblox Rewards at Woolies Thousands of Australians Call for Woolworths to Axe Partnership with Gaming App Roblox | Daily Telegraph Teens getting "nic-sick" with zyns Addictive, hard to detect, easy to procure Nicotine pouches gaining popularity with teens despite being illegal in Australia | ABC News Opposition to the social media legislation Finding refuge & safety online Policing legislation Unplug Childhood Related Links: #974 Roblox Rules The Screen Smart Series [Webinars] Smells Like Teen Spirit Summit (More nirvana. Less drama.) Bad Influence of Influencers Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do we teach our boys about consent in a world filled with mixed messages and harmful influences? Daniel Principe shares his experience working with boys, schools, and families to address this challenge.  From tackling online influences to reshaping outdated notions of masculinity, Daniel paints a hopeful yet realistic picture of where we stand and what needs to improve. He explains why starting conversations early and normalising openness can make all the difference—and why no child is ever beyond hope. Daniel Principe is a boys' advocate, speaker, Australian of the Year nominee, and Consent Can't Wait ambassador. In this episode: Consent & boys: what's working & what's not?  Exposure to harmful online content Normalising open conversations about consent, porn & relationships Building emotional literacy Reshaping societal ideas about masculinity How to protect your child from becoming victims or perpetrators of harmful behaviours Removing punishment & shame No Matter What Building strong men of the future Related Links: Boys & Screens: Gaming, Gambling, & Pornography [Webinar] Helping Our Boys Grow Into Men Pornography-Proofing Your Kids  #226 More Than Consent Education with Melinda Tankard-Reist Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is repeating a year of school really the best solution for struggling students? Join us as we unpack the research, share personal stories, and discuss why alternatives like tailored teaching/differentiation, extra support, and starting school at the right age may yield better outcomes for your child. Whether you’re grappling with this decision or curious about educational trends, this episode offers valuable insights to guide you. In this episode: Pros/cons of grade retention Differences in learning (heterogeneity) Delaying the start of formal education (redshirting) Competency & self-esteem Global trends in repeating a school year Effectiveness of grade retention: A systematic review and meta-analysis Social consequences Alternatives to retention Practical advice for parents with struggling students Related Links: Starting School Activity Book The Big Debate: Should you Delay your Child’s Start in School? Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time for men to step up and do some shopping! Don't let Mum be the only one without a present under the tree this year.  This episode explores why many far too mums feel left out during the festive season and just want to be thought of by their family. Tune in for practical tips, heartfelt conversations, and a reminder that the best gifts don't have to break the bank. In this episode: The cognitive load of gift-giving Not enough men are buying the women in their lives Christmas presents Money & budgets Materialism Unique gift ideas Supporting local charities Giving Machine | Light The World Related Links: 16 Gifts our Children Need For Christmas Minimising Materialism this Christmas Christmas Day and Divorced Families Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parenting isn’t always smooth sailing, especially with a teenager in the house. In this reflective episode, Justin shares a wake-up call about his own negativity bias and how shifting his focus transformed a tricky relationship. Kylie brings balance with a reminder that kids spell love as T-I-M-E. Whether you’re juggling the chaos of year-end or simply trying to connect better, this episode offers inspiration to help you do better tomorrow. In this episode: Parenting teenagers Teens & screens Relationship bucket Focusing on the negative vs finding the positives in relationships #148 Flecks of Gold Intentional 1-1 time with each child Kids spell love T.I.M.E Related Links: Building Strong Parent-Child Connections That Last Miss-Connection Webinar (Why Your Teenage Daughter “Hates” You, Expects the World, and Needs to Talk) Intentional vs. Unintentional Parenting  Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curious about homeschooling? After a year of diving into this countercultural approach to education, Justin and Kylie share the surprising benefits, the unexpected challenges, and the transformative impact it’s had on their family. In this episode: Highs & lows of homeschooling Facebook post - join the conversation! Emotional regulation Neurodivergence  #1111 - Home Schooling 101 With Brett Campbell of Euka Freedom, flexibility & tailored learning Challenges - financial constraints, socialisation, expectations De-schooling Unrealistic expectations Connection with friends Related Links: How to Help when School Sucks #405 The Homeschool Parent - Deb #1038 - Managing Emotional Dysregulation Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consent, respect, and healthy relationships—how can parents prepare their children for these crucial aspects of life? Chanel Contos, founder of the Teach Us Consent movement, joins Justin to discuss the challenges of addressing normalised sexual violence, the role parents play in creating open dialogues, and the crucial inclusion of boys in these conversations. In this episode: Talk About Consent | consent.gov.au Normalised sexual violence Pornography Consent Laid Bare: Sex, Entitlement & the Distortion of Desire by Chanel Contos Educating parents & teachers Age-appropriate conversations Respect, boundaries & removing shame Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 13YARN Australia | For First Nation Australians - 13 92 76 Related Links: Sex, Consent & Staying Safe [Webinar] #217 The Age of Consent with Rebecca Sparrow Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are we giving kids the equivalent of car keys to a digital world they're not prepared to navigate? In this episode, Dr. Justin Coulson and guest Matt Purcell dive into the complex issue of kids and social media. From the psychological toll it takes on young users to the uphill battle parents face in managing screen time, we explore practical solutions and innovative tools like 'Social Kung Fu' to empower families and to protect our children.  In this episode: Impact of social media on youth mental health Age restrictions for social media Balancing online independence & safety Forming alliances among families (The Heads Up Alliance, Unplug Childhood) Algorithms Holding social media accountable Social Kung Fu - equipping kids with verbal & cyber self-defence skills Code of conduct with devices Related Links: 5 Ways to Set Screen Time Limits With Your Children Unplugged Parenthood: Reducing Screen Time to Strengthen Family Connections The Screen Smart Series Find us on Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to the Happy Families newsletter Leave a voice memo here or email your questions/comments to podcasts@happyfamilies.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.