Port Stephens Unplugged

04/06/2026

Are you thinking about picking out a phone for your child? A hand-me-down iPhone may seem like an easy option, but we can do better. Children under 14 need a custom built dumb phone that has no capacity for internet access, with simple call and texts only! Our 14-16yr olds are more tricky. The best option is a budget Android paired with Google Family Link (Smartphone capacity but allows parents turning off access to social media and web browsing).

31/05/2026

29/05/2026

Port Stephens Unplugged attended their first event with Port Stephens Women in Business this week! The room listened as the “unplugged” voice was heard! The movement is starting and parents and carers in our community are being called on to stand together and challenge the unsafe standards that exist in our present society. Some of the practices linked to negative outcomes include: Posting images of children online - Giving young children (eg under 8yo) any form of handheld interactive device - Using gamified learning over paper based learning - Introduction of Smartphones in children under 16 years of age - Allowing devices in bedrooms. Yet we feel stuck because we don’t want our own kids excluded because of our choices. That’s exactly why it is so important as parents and carers in Port Stephens that we band together and make mindful choices about technology together. Please follow along and share these insights with your nearest and dearest as we pick up the momentum!

26/05/2026

Wouldn’t this be the dream for us in Port Stephens! Back to pen and paper!

The education systems will get there eventually - the research is there. Maybe Port Stephens can be ahead of the curve?!

Tomaree High School
Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Medowie Irrawang High School Hunter River High School St Philip's Christian College - Port Stephens

Some Australian classrooms could be heading for a tech shake-up. One school has ditched laptops in favour of pen and paper and is already seeing major change...

25/05/2026

‘Port Stephens Unplugged’ is a movement that spreads education on the impacts of technology on child development and safety. It promotes educated decision-making and mindful choices regarding screen time, social media, gamified learning tools, smartphones and other uses of technology.

25/05/2026

The change is inevitable - it must come. Society is just catching up as the research keeps pouring in. Whilst we are waiting for the systems to do their part, let’s not standby as another generation is lost to big tech. Please start talking - share Port Stephens Unplugged with your colleagues and peers. And consider making some choices in your home that can impact the wellbeing of this next generation.

Port Stephens Women in Business
Business Port Stephens
Leah Anderson - Mayor of Port Stephens
Kate Washington MP

20/05/2026

18/05/2026

It's time to acknowledge that we are in a world where so many psychologically damaging behaviours are being normalised and adopted community-wide. Change is coming and we need it as fast as possible to protect the children of today. Port Stephens, we are in a better position that other parts of the world - Already, Social Media has been banned for U16 yr olds. Already, phones are banned in schools. The system has started doing its bit - Parents, let's do ours... and inspire the revolution to speed up. It's our kids out there.

11/05/2026

The best things for children have never really changed.

Stories. Friendship. Movement. Boredom. Adventure. Imagination.

Still some of the best ways to grow a human.

If you believe childhood should look like this, join the movement. Follow