What the Screen-Time Debate Means for Getting Kids Active

 

 

The recent Guardian profile of Dr Rangan Chatterjee cuts through the noise with a confronting message: our collective failure to regulate screens is failing a generation of children.

While the article focuses on mental health, sleep and social development, there’s a critical layer that deserves equal attention  physical activity is being quietly displaced, and kids are paying the price.

At Fit For Kids Co, this isn’t theory. We see it every week.

 

 

 

The Real Issue Isn’t Screens: It’s What They’re Replacing

 

Dr Chatterjee’s central concern isn’t that screens exist , it’s that they’re crowding out the fundamentals of healthy childhood. Time once spent climbing, running, throwing, kicking, laughing and problem-solving with peers is now absorbed by passive consumption.

When screens increase, three things consistently decrease:

1. - Unstructured movement

2. - Face-to-face social interaction

3. - Opportunities to build physical confidence

 

Movement isn’t just “exercise”. For kids, it’s how they:

• - Regulate emotions

• - Build resilience

• - Learn cooperation and communication

• - Develop self-esteem

• - Sleep better

When movement disappears, everything else becomes harder.

 

 

We’re Seeing the Consequences in Real Time

The article highlights rising anxiety, poor sleep, posture issues and delayed development. In active settings, the physical knock-on effects are just as clear:

• - Kids fatigue faster

• - Basic coordination is weaker

• - Confidence drops when tasks feel “hard”

• - Social withdrawal increases

• - Frustration tolerance is lower

This isn’t about talent, it’s about exposure. Many kids simply haven’t had enough positive movement experiences.

 

 

Movement Is Preventative Health (Not an Optional Extra)

 

Dr Chatterjee argues that modern health systems are overwhelmed because they treat symptoms, not causes. The same applies to kids’ wellbeing.

Regular, enjoyable physical activity:

• - Improves mental health outcomes

• - Reduces stress and anxiety

• - Supports healthy sleep patterns

• - Builds social skills naturally

• - Strengthens identity and self-belief

 

 

Why “Just Telling Kids to Be Active” Doesn’t Work

One of the most important takeaways from the article is compassion. Screens have become the default babysitter because families are busy, stressed and time-poor.

That’s why activity needs to be:

• - Structured but fun

• - Inclusive, not intimidating

• - Skill-building without pressure

• - Social, not isolating

Kids don’t need elite training.
They need positive, repeatable experiences that make movement feel safe and rewarding.

That’s the gap Fit For Kids Co exists to fill.

 

 

The Opportunity We’re Missing

Dr Chatterjee talks about prevention needing a long-term plan. For kids, that plan starts with movement habits, early and often.

Every session of play, sport or movement is:

• - Time not spent scrolling

• - A chance to reconnect with their body

• - An opportunity to build confidence offline

• - A step toward lifelong health

We don’t need to ban screens tomorrow to make progress.
But we do need to deliberately rebalance childhood.

 

 

Less Scrolling. More Playing. Better Outcomes.

The screen-time conversation will continue, and it should. But the solution doesn’t live in restriction alone.

It lives in replacing screens with something better.

At Fit For Kids Co, that “something better” is simple:

• - Move often

• - Play socially

• - Build confidence

• - Make activity enjoyable again

Because when kids move, everything else gets easier.

 

Fit For Kids Co.

Why Getting Kids Moving Regularly Matters More Than Ever

 

Screens are now part of everyday life for children. Phones, tablets, gaming consoles and streaming services are woven into how kids learn, socialise and and even just connect with their peers. But growing research is making one thing increasingly clear: when screens begin to replace movement, sleep and real-world play, kids’ health and wellbeing can suffer.

For parents, the challenge isn’t eliminating screens altogether, it’s creating balance. And one of the most powerful tools we have to restore that balance is regular physical activity.

At Fit For Kids Co, we see firsthand how movement supports not just physical health, but emotional regulation, confidence and happiness in children.

 

What the Research Is Telling Us (In Simple Terms)

 

Large international studies following thousands of children over many years are now showing consistent patterns:

• - Earlier access to smartphones is linked to poorer sleep and higher rates of childhood obesity

• - Higher screen use is associated with reduced attention, slower processing speed and weaker memory

• - Increased social media use correlates with higher rates of anxiety, low mood and emotional dysregulation

• - Screen use late in the day negatively impacts sleep quality, which affects mood, learning and behaviour

Importantly, researchers are finding that it’s not just how much screen time kids have, but what it replaces, especially movement, outdoor play, social interaction and rest.

 

Movement as a Protective Factor

Regular physical activity plays a crucial role in buffering many of the risks linked to excessive screen use.

When kids move consistently, they are more likely to:

• - Sleep better and fall asleep faste 

• - Regulate emotions more effectively

• - Improve focus and attention

• - Build physical confidence and resilience

• - Experience better overall mental wellbeing

Movement doesn’t need to be intense or elite to be effective. In fact, play-based, enjoyable activity is often the most beneficial, particularly for younger children.

 

Screens vs Skills: What Kids Miss When Movement Drops

 

When screen time increases and movement decreases, children can miss out on developing essential life skills, including:

• - Balance, coordination and strength

• - Social skills like teamwork, communication and empathy

• - Problem-solving through play

• - Confidence in their own physical abilities

These skills are built through doing, not watching, and they form the foundation for lifelong health.

 

Why Small Changes Make a Big Difference

 

One of the most encouraging findings from recent research is that small, consistent reductions in screen use for even as little as one hour a day, are linked to better long-term wellbeing.

Replacing that hour with:

• - Active play

• - Sport or movement sessions

• - Outdoor time

• - Family walks or bike rides

can significantly improve a child’s quality of life.

This isn’t about strict rules or guilt. It’s about gently reshaping daily routines so movement becomes a normal, expected part of life.

 

The Role of Adults: Modelling Matters

Children take cues from the adults around them. How we use our phones, especially in the evenings, strongly influences how children view screens. Creating screen-aware habits as a family  such as tech-free times, active afternoons or shared outdoor play can send a powerful message without needing constant enforcement.

 

Active Kids Are Healthier, Happier Kids

 

At Fit For Kids Co, we believe movement should be:

• - Regular

• - Enjoyable

• - Age-appropriate

• - Pressure-free

When kids move their bodies often and positively, they are better equipped to navigate the modern world, screens included.

Technology isn’t going away. But by prioritising regular movement, we can help children build healthy habits, strong bodies and resilient minds that support them now and into the future.

See you outside!

Fit For Kids Co. 

Fun, Affordable Ways to Keep Kids Active Over Summer

 

 

Summer is one of the most important times of year for children’s physical, social and emotional development. With longer days, warmer weather and fewer routines, kids naturally have more opportunities to move,  and movement plays a huge role in helping kids stay healthy, confident and happy.

At Fit For Kids Co, we believe active kids are happy kids, and staying active doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Some of the most effective ways to keep children moving are simple, low-cost and built into everyday life.

 

Why Staying Active Matters for Kids

Regular physical activity helps children:

• Build strength, coordination and balance

• Improve focus, confidence and emotional wellbeing

• Develop social skills through play

• Create positive habits that last into adulthood

When movement is fun and pressure-free, kids are far more likely to stay active long term.

 

Easy, Low-Cost Ways to Keep Kids Moving in Summer

Local Parks and Open Spaces

Parks offer endless opportunities for movement without any cost. Climbing, running, jumping and balancing all help develop fundamental movement skills. Rotating between different parks keeps things exciting and encourages exploration.

Backyard and Home-Based Games

You don’t need a large space or fancy equipment to get kids moving. Simple games like throwing, kicking, jumping or balancing challenges help build coordination and confidence, all while feeling like play, not exercise.

Bike Riding, Scooters and Family Walks

Active transport is one of the easiest ways to build movement into the day. Bike rides, scooter trips and family walks help children stay active while also supporting independence, road awareness and family connection.

Free Play: The Power of Unstructured Movement

Unstructured play is often where children move the most. When kids are free to invent games, climb, run and explore at their own pace, they naturally develop physical skills alongside creativity and problem-solving.

This kind of movement is especially important during school holidays when routines are relaxed.

Water Play and Outdoor Exploration

Water-based play is a summer favourite and a great way to stay active. Whether it’s swimming, running through sprinklers or beach play, water activities build strength and endurance while helping kids stay cool.

Nature-based play,  at the beach, in bushland or open reserves, also supports mental wellbeing and resilience.

Community Spaces and Local Facilities

Many local communities offer free access to ovals, courts and playgrounds during the holidays. These shared spaces encourage spontaneous play, social interaction and active lifestyles without the need for structured programs.

 

Building Healthy Habits Through Movement

The goal isn’t perfect technique or constant structure, it’s consistency and enjoyment. When kids associate movement with fun, connection and freedom, they’re far more likely to stay active as they grow.

Healthy movement habits support:

• Physical confidence

• Emotional regulation

• Social development

• Long-term wellbeing

Active Kids Are Happy Kids

At Fit For Kids Co, we see every day how movement positively impacts children’s confidence, energy and happiness. Summer is a chance to reinforce those benefits through simple, accessible activities that fit into family life.

Keeping kids active doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated, it just needs to be regular, fun and child-focused.

So get out there and have a fantastic active summer!

Fit For Kids Co.

The Summer of Tennis: Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Get Kids Into Tennis

Every year in Australia, summer brings with it more than just sunshine and school holidays, it brings The Summer of Tennis.

With the Australian Open on our screens, racquets in the parks, and long warm afternoons perfect for outdoor play, summer is the ideal time for children to be introduced to tennis! 

At Fit For Kids Co, summer is one of our favourite times of year. It’s when kids are relaxed, open to trying new things, and ready to move. And tennis, when taught the right way, is one of the best sports a child can start at any age.

 

Why Summer Is the Best Time for Kids to Start Tennis

 

1. Kids Are Inspired by the Summer of Tennis

 

Seeing Australian and international players compete during the Australian Open creates excitement and curiosity. Kids naturally want to copy what they see — hitting forehands, serving balls, and playing “matches” with friends.

Summer turns tennis from a lesson into something kids feel connected to.

 

2. Tennis Is a Perfect Summer Sport

 

Tennis suits summer conditions better than many team sports:

• Short bursts of activity with regular breaks

• Easy to adapt intensity for different ages

• Played outdoors but not continuous running

• Can be taught in fun, game-based formats

With the right structure, tennis helps kids stay active without burning out in the heat.

 

3. School Holidays = Time to Try Something New

 

During summer holidays, kids aren’t locked into rigid routines. This makes it the perfect time to:

• Try tennis for the first time

• Build confidence without school pressure

• Improve skills before the school year starts

• Develop a healthy holiday routine around movement

Many kids who start tennis in summer continue into term programs because they’ve already built confidence.

 

Why Tennis Is One of the Best Sports for Children

 

Tennis offers lifelong benefits well beyond learning how to hit a ball.

 

Physical Benefits

• 
  Improves coordination, balance, and agility

• Develops strength and speed naturally

• Enhances hand-eye coordination

• Supports overall fitness without excessive contact

•  

Mental & Emotional Benefits

•  

• Builds focus and concentration

• Encourages resilience and problem-solving

• Teaches kids how to win and lose gracefully

• Boosts confidence through skill development

•  

• Social Benifits

 

• Encourages positive communication

• Builds friendships in small group settings

• Teaches respect, patience, and sportsmanship

Unlike many sports, tennis can be played for life — socially, competitively, or just for fun.

 

How Fit For Kids Co Makes Tennis Fun for Kids

 

At Fit For Kids Co, we believe that kids don’t need pressure, they need play.

Our tennis programs are designed specifically for primary-aged children and focus on:

• Fun, game-based learning

• Age-appropriate equipment and courts

• High engagement and lots of ball contact

• Confidence-building from the first session

We don’t just coach tennis skills — we coach movement, mindset, and enjoyment.

 

Our Coaching Philosophy

✔️ Fun comes first
✔️ Skills are built through play
✔️ Every child feels included
✔️ Confidence matters more than perfection

When kids enjoy the experience, improvement follows naturally.

Tennis for Beginners and Experienced Kids

 

Whether your child is:

• Picking up a racquet for the very first time, or

• Already playing and wanting to improve, our programs are structured so kids can progress at their own pace without comparison or pressure.

Tennis that fits into family life

 

We know parents are busy, that’s why our programs are designed to be:

• - Convenient

• - Structured

• - Easy to commit to

• - Supportive of school and family schedules

- Our goal is to make it simple for families to keep kids active, confident, and moving.

Make This Their Summer of Tennis

The Summer of Tennis isn’t just about watching the pros, it’s about getting kids on the court, moving their bodies, and discovering a sport they can enjoy for years to come.

If you’re looking for a fun, supportive, and engaging way to introduce your child to tennis this summer, Fit For Kids Co is here to help.

- Build skills
- Build confidence
- Build a love of movement

Let’s make this their Summer of Tennis.

 

Fit For Kids Co. 
Melbourne based coaching company & team.
info@fitforkidsco.com.au

Located in the Princess Park Precinct, our head coach offers private and semi-private lessons for kids aged 5 - 12 years of age.

 

Parents across Glen Huntly, Caulfield, Gardenvale, Brighton, East Brighton, Ormond and Murrumbeena are increasingly searching for high quality, personalised tennis coaching for their children, particularly when the warmer months arrive.

One of the most trusted options in the area is private tennis lessons at Brooklyn Avenue Tennis Courts, located within the Princess Park Precinct, led by experienced Fit For Kids, Head Coach Ed.

Conveniently positioned and surrounded by green space, Brooklyn Avenue Tennis Courts offers a safe, welcoming and community focused environment where kids can build skills, confidence and a genuine love for tennis.

This article gives parents a complete overview of kids’ private tennis coaching, why it’s so effective, and what makes coaching with Ed at Brooklyn Avenue Tennis Courts different.

 

Meet Head Coach Ed – Trusted Local Kids’ Tennis Coach

 

Head Coach Ed is known throughout the local area for his calm, supportive and highly engaging coaching style. Parents consistently choose Ed for private lessons at Brooklyn Avenue Tennis Courts because he understands how children learn best.

Ed’s coaching approach focuses on:

• - Teaching strong technical fundamentals

• - Encouraging effort and improvement over perfection

• - Creating a positive, pressure-free learning environment

• - Helping kids feel confident, capable and supported

 

Head Coach Ed is not only an experienced junior coach,  he is also a Tennis Hot Shots specialist, meaning he is highly skilled in using Tennis Australia’s coloured ball progression system to help kids learn the game properly.

This expertise is especially important for younger players and beginners.

 

 

What Is Tennis Hot Shots & Why Coloured Ball Progressions Matter

 

Tennis Hot Shots is Tennis Australia’s official junior development program. It uses coloured balls, smaller courts and age-appropriate equipment to match the way kids learn and move.

Instead of using a full-sized court and regular tennis balls straight away, kids progress through:

• Red balls – slower, larger balls on smaller courts (ideal for beginners and younger kids)

• Orange balls – slightly faster balls with increased court size

• Green balls – closer to a regular tennis ball, preparing kids for full court play

Why This Makes a Huge Difference

 

Using the correct ball for a child’s age and ability means:

• - Rallies last longer

• - Kids experience success earlier

• - Technique develops naturally

• - Confidence grows quickly

Children are far more likely to enjoy tennis  and stick with it when the game is scaled to suit them.

How Ed Uses Hot Shots Progressions in Private Lessons

As a Tennis Hot Shots specialist, Ed carefully selects the right coloured ball and court size for each child.

In private lessons, this allows:

• - Skills to be taught at the correct speed

• - Better hand-eye coordination development

• - Cleaner technique without forcing power

• - Faster learning with less frustration

Ed regularly adjusts the progression based on how your child is developing, ensuring they are challenged , but not overwhelmed.

Parents often notice their child:

• - Rallying sooner than expected

• - Understanding the game more quickly

• - Feeling confident stepping up to the next level

 

 

Why Parents Choose Private Tennis Lessons

 

1. Faster Skill Development

Private lessons allow for:

• - Constant engagement

• - Immediate feedback

• - No waiting or distractions

This leads to faster improvement in:

• - Forehand and backhand technique

• - Footwork and movement

• - Hand-eye coordination

• - Basic serving skills

 

2. Confidence Building in a Low-Pressure Environment

Private lessons are ideal for children who:

• - Feel nervous in group sports

• - Are shy or lacking confidence

• - Need reassurance and encouragement

Without comparison to other kids, children can focus on learning, making mistakes and enjoying progress at their own pace which works wonders for some children.

 

3. Ideal for Beginners and Developing Players

Private tennis lessons at Brooklyn Avenue Tennis Courts are perfect for:

• - Kids completely new to tennis

• - Children transitioning from beginner to intermediate

• - Players wanting to work on specific skills

• - Kids preparing to move into group lessons or school tennis

Many families from Brighton, Brighton East, Murrumbeena, Gardenvale and Glen Huntly choose private lessons as a starting point to build confidence before joining group programs.

 

4. Perfect During Summer and School Holidays

The warmer months are one of the best times to start private tennis lessons.

Summer coaching:

• - Takes advantage of longer days and better weather

• - Keeps kids active during school holidays

• - Provides structure without feeling like “more school”

• - Helps reduce excessive screen time

 

5. Flexible and Family-Friendly

Private lessons offer flexibility that busy families appreciate:

• - Session times that fit around school and activities

• - Adjustable frequency

• - Lessons adapted to your child’s energy levels

- This flexibility makes private coaching easier to maintain long-term.

 

 

Why Start with Private Lessons Before Group Tennis?

 

Private coaching helps children:

• - Build stronger technical foundations

• - Gain confidence more quickly

• - Feel prepared for group environments

Kids who begin with private lessons often transition into group tennis with greater confidence and enjoyment.

 

Benefits Beyond the Tennis Court

Parents regularly notice benefits outside of sport, including:

• - Improved confidence

• - Better focus and listening skills

• - Increased coordination and balance

• - Greater willingness to try new challenges

These skills support children at school, in social settings and in everyday life.

 

 

Who Are Private Tennis Lessons Best For?

Private lessons with Head Coach Ed at Brooklyn Avenue Tennis Courts are ideal for:

• - Kids from early primary age through to teens

• - Families in Glen Huntly, Caulfield, Gardenvale, Brighton, East Brighton, Ormond and Murrumbeena

• - Beginners and developing players

• - Kids who aren’t yet comfortable in team sports

• - Parents seeking personalised, local tennis coaching

 

 

Enquire About Private Tennis Lessons at Brooklyn Avenue Tennis Courts

 

If you’re looking for kids’ private tennis lessons at Brooklyn Avenue Tennis Courts in the Princess Park Precinct, coaching with Head Coach Ed offers:

• - One-on-one, personalised coaching

• - A positive, confidence-building environment

• - Strong technical foundations

• - A convenient local option for families across the area

- Private tennis lessons are an investment in your child’s physical health, confidence and long-term enjoyment of sport — especially during the warmer months.

 

Email us today at info@fitforkidsco.com.au to find out more!

Fit For Kids Co.