The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

It’s no secret that parenting in the digital age comes with additional challenges. Commentators and experts regularly pop up on our screens and social media feeds to spruik the dangers of too much screen time. How do you find the balance when technology comes with the good and the bad?

Dr Chris Seton, a sleep specialist at the Woolcock Clinic who works mostly with teens and tweens, says that the biggest struggle for parents is managing device use.

“Parents need to be active in policing device use but many feel disempowered from doing this and the age at which they’re getting ‘pushback’ from their children is getting younger.”

“Technology has brought with it positive, neutral and negative effects. Where it tips into the negative is often related to sleep. Every hour spent on a device late at night is an hour less sleep. That can result in school lateness, school absenteeism, depression, anxiety and being on one or other side of cyberbullying.”

Dr Seton believes that the idea of a teenager, especially one who’s already a digital addict, self-regulating is a myth. It’s up to parents to manage their online behaviours up until the time they leave school.

He also argues that relying on technology to do the job of managing digital use is not the solution. “A digitally addicted teen is also a technically savvy teen and they will find their way around the technology,” he says.

TECHNOLOGY FOR SOCIAL IMPACT

Anita Sood leads Microsoft’s Asia Technology for Social Impact business, helping non-profits and communities harness the power of AI and the cloud to solve some of society’s most pressing challenges.

Her team is working with the Woolcock Clinic to explore how AI can help us drive efficiencies and gain insights from data that will promote innovation and improve clinical care.

“That means building future-ready, AI-enabled processes through the power of the Microsoft innovations and our partner ecosystem,” she says. “Together, we have a vision to enable a secure, intelligent digital foundation that empowers the Woolcock to automate complex data analysis to scale treatment innovation and expand its global reach to deliver transformative social and health outcomes.”

DIGITAL SAFETY TOOLKIT

“Anita is also a parent to younger children who’s passionate about using technology as part of a broader toolkit to foster healthy digital habits – empowering every child to thrive and every family to flourish.

“As a leader and a parent, my focus is on how we bring our responsible AI principles to life through everyday tools that help families set healthy digital boundaries. We’re working to help them manage screen time intentionally, support learning, and build better habits around rest and wellbeing.”

That includes using AI to identify usage patterns and personalise recommendations – like encouraging wind-down time an hour before bed – that improve screen habits and sleep hygiene.

“We also invest in digital literacy programmes and outreach campaigns that equip parents, educators, and students with the skills to make informed, balanced choices online and support community programmes that make digital safety accessible for all.”

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL

“For me all of this is both personal and professional.”

“Technology should not be seen as the answer to a family’s wellbeing, but it can be a useful tool. Steps like pausing screens or enabling downtime settings can have a big impact and foster healthy digital habits for the long-term.”

“And I’m confident that Microsoft’s partnership with the Woolcock, like those we have with other medical research institutions, will deliver the digital tools that will help its people work smarter and connect deeper to deliver precision health and unlock global impact.”

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