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How much screen time for a 10 year old in Australia?
Up to 2 hours a day
For a 10 year old, Australia's guidelines recommend no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time a day, plus 9 to 11 hours of sleep and at least an hour of activity.
Make a plan that fits your family
The guideline is a ceiling, not a target. Our free planner starts with your family's values, then works out a daily allowance for each child, with agreements you can print.
Make our family screen plan →Built by a registered psychologist with 20 years in child and family services. General information, not clinical advice.
What helps at this age
- This is the age many children ask for a phone. Decide what it's for before you decide which one.
- Group chats start now. Agree how and when your child uses them.
- Keep gaming consoles and devices out of bedrooms overnight.
- Show your child how to block and report, and ask them to tell you if anything online upsets them.
Common questions
Should my 10 year old have a phone?
There's no single right age. Many families start with a basic phone or a smartwatch for calls and location, then add features as trust builds.
Are online games covered by the social media rules?
No. Online games are not covered by the under-16 social media rules, so in-game chat needs your own settings and rules.
What if their friends have more screen time?
Families have different rules, and that's OK. Explaining the values behind your rules helps children accept them.
Source: Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, Australian Government. Last checked 22 October 2026.