Port Stephens Unplugged

01/09/2026

The Unplugged Movement is definitely moving!

open the conversation in your social circles..

Early device introduction is linked with poorer wellbeing outcomes such as higher anxiety and depression rates, poorer sleep, decreased attention, concentration and memory, and poorer cognitive outcomes generally. It opens the door to cyber risks including inappropriate content, bullying, exposure to predators, images misuse, and “the algorithm.”

And it’s not just about the risks of being online, it’s about what they are missing out on in real-time.

Share via: Facebook X (Twitter) PORT Stephens Unplugged, the nonprofit movement that aims to empower the community to counter children’s overuse of technology, was launched recently. “Unplugged is a movement that was created because no one – no parent, no school, no part of the community – i...

31/08/2026

"We can still be proud of our kids without putting it on Facebook."

If you don't like the idea of your child's face appearing in the school newsletter or page, you can refuse consent. But experts warn there can be social consequences for children.

31/08/2026

Keep the conversations going!

https://michellemitchell.org/keeping-tweens-teens-safe/?ref=KMweb&fbclid=PARlRTSAUBrbVwZG9mAmZkaWQWUNgk3KSM9ITLV8SAcJh-qcXvQ65BFGV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp4lZ6tvcDSjRiKSDiUcGh8vSzZJ4NIDuAqn7yX3Hxd1uwrodSOJcvEAI1nzd_aem_hs06F34is0NoUjhwLiED5w

This webinar tackles some of the most important, high-stakes safety conversations parents of tweens and teens need to have — how to recognise grooming and red flags, how to talk about online sexual dangers and consent, and how to prepare young people for parties, relationships and the increasing i...

28/08/2026

27/08/2026

25/08/2026

Thank you to all who attended last night!
It was encouraging to see so many people ready to learn about the impacts of Technology on Mental Health. Emma Stilinovic from Strive Hive Psychology talked us through the impacts of social media, gaming, short-form media and devices in general. She spoke of the safety risks as well as the impacts on attention, cognition and memory, sleep, and mental wellbeing. She made sure we were aware of how these apps are developed to addict us, confirming the best way to protect our young people is to delay the introduction of screens.

Can you believe, on average, primary aged kids are on screens 4hrs a day and high schoolers 9hrs a day?! Wow!! Their brains are still developing.. and they are missing out on hours and hours play and interactions to build their confidence, resilience, empathy, problem solving, creativity (and so on..). But it’s not a problem any one person can solve alone…

Port Stephens Unplugged will keep showing up to educate and provide alternatives for local families who would like to connect away from screens. Please feel free to join the movement from our website https://unplugged.org.au/get-involved/

A big thank you to our founding sponsors who got us off the ground; Cloud and Tech, Strive Hive Psychology and Nelson Bay Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre.

Thank you to St Philip's Christian College - Port Stephens for hosting us and to Readers Retreat and Igym 247 Salamander Bay for the lucky door prizes.

We are looking to grow this Unplugged community, so please reach out if you are interested in donating products, becoming a founding sponsor, or joining the movement as a community member! Every person counts!

20/08/2026

Port Stephens Unplugged is very excited to see you all on Monday August 24th at St Philip's Christian College - Port Stephens

Join us as we hear from Emma Stilinovic (Psychologist at Strive Hive Psychology) on the impacts of Technology on Mental Health.

Registration for this FREE community event:
https://shorturl.at/MLoGF

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What happens when women stop feeling safe in politics?

15/08/2026

Principles on technology and screens in the classroom.