Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Friday, October 3
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Parenting Articles»Sports … not screens
Parenting Articles

Sports … not screens

4 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

The key to happier, healthier children

Whether it’s sports practice, music lessons or a casual catch up with friends, when children are involved in after-school activities, they’re more likely to feel happier and healthier than their counterparts who are glued to a screen.

In a new study conducted by the University of South Australia and the Department for Education, researchers found that children’s wellbeing is heightened when they participate in extra-curricular activities, yet lowered when they spent time on social media or playing video games.

Published in BMC Pediatrics, the study analysed data from 61,759 school students in years 4 to 9 (via the 2018 South Australian Wellbeing and Engagement Collection), assessing the average number of days per week children participated in after-school activities (3-6pm), and measuring these against wellbeing factors – happiness, sadness, worry, engagement, perseverance, optimism, emotion regulation, and life satisfaction.

It found that most students watched TV about four days of the school week and spent time on social media about three days of the week.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in seven children (equivalent to about 560,000 children) have a mental health disorder, with one in ten children having concerning levels of wellbeing.

Lead researcher, UniSA’s Dr Rosa Virgara says the research highlights an acute need to encourage children to participate in activities other than screens.

“Helping children develop a good sense of personal wellbeing is paramount in today’s uncertain environment,” Dr Virgara says. This is especially important for primary school-aged children as they’re learning about the challenges and risks that full-time school can present; but it’s equally important for teenagers who are facing a range of physical, social and emotional changes.

“Our study highlights how some out-of-school activities can boost children’s wellbeing, while others – particularly screens – can chip away at their mental and physical health.” Screens are a massive distraction for children of all ages. Most parents will attest to this. And whether children are gaming, watching TV or on social media, there’s something about all screens that’s damaging to their wellbeing.

“It’s interesting because you might think that it’s the lack of physical movement that’s causing this, yet our research shows that doing homework or reading – both sedentary activities – positively contribute to wellbeing, so it’s something else. In fact, we found that children’s wellbeing was higher when they participated in extra-curricular activities – even if they already reported being happy.”

What this shows is that we need to find ways to encourage children of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in activities that keep them away from TV, computers and mobile devices.

The research also highlights distinct differences between children who came from low and high socio-economic backgrounds. Students in lower socio-economic backgrounds who frequently played sport were 15 per cent more likely to be optimistic, 14 per cent more likely to be happy and satisfied with their life, and 10 per cent more likely to be able to regulate their emotions.

Conversely, children who played video games and used social media almost always had lower levels of wellbeing: up to 9 per cent less likely to be happy, up to 8 per cent to be less optimism and 11 per cent to be more likely to give up on things. “Children who were more at risk tended to come from lower socio-economic backgrounds, which indicates a clear need for greater support in these areas,” Dr Virgara says.

As many of these children responded well to playing sports, education initiatives and continued funding of government programmes such as the State Government’s $100 School Sports Vouchers could be good options.

All in all, the message is clear – gaming, watching TV, playing on computers, and scrolling through social media are not helping build or sustain positive wellbeing in children. It’s certainly a challenge, especially as most children have been brought up on devices. But if families can be more aware of the issues associated with screens, then perhaps we can find a better balance of screen time and other out-of-school activities.

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2022/23

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
29
30
1
2:00 PM - Soundwaves
7:00 PM - Soundwaves
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
4:00 PM - Sk8house Sensory Sessions
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
October 1, 2025    
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Band and Cinema complex
  • Family Activity
  • Free Activities
Join us for our flagship concert series, Soundwaves, at HMAS Cerberus and experience the RAN Band bringing our full wind band and variety of chamber [...]
More Info
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
October 1, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
HMAS Cerberus
  • Free Activities
Join us for our flagship concert series, Soundwaves, at HMAS Cerberus and experience the RAN Band bringing our full wind band and variety of chamber [...]
More Info
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
October 21, 2025    
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Workshop/Class
The Sk8house Sensory Sessions aim to be a calm, welcoming space for skaters of all abilities to roll their way — with reduced noise, gentle [...]
More Info
Events on October 1, 2025
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
1 Oct 25
HMAS Cerberus
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
1 Oct 25
HMAS Cerberus
Events on October 21, 2025
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
21 Oct 25
Carrum Downs
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
Farewell September. 🫡 

Credit: Mums Lounge
mumslounge
•
Follow
Farewell September. 🫡 Credit: Mums Lounge mumslounge
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
🔥🔥🔥🤣
•
Follow
🔥🔥🔥🤣
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school-
holidays-parc-county-fair/
@parcfrankston
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school-
holidays-parc-county-fair/
@parcfrankston
•
Follow
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday. https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school- holidays-parc-county-fair/ @parcfrankston
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Older Reader Pack
Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Older Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Younger Reader Pack
Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Younger Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Nano-Mals
Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids.

Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality.

Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year.

These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores.

RRP: $25.00 each

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER HERE:
https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Nano-Mals Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids. Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality. Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year. These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores. RRP: $25.00 each **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

LEGO Star Wars™ Chopper (C1-10P) Astromech Droid
Suitable for 10+ – Create a playful display featuring a lovable astromech droid Chopper (C1-10P) with this LEGO® Star Wars™ buildable model kit with a buildable figure of Chopper, as seen in Star Wars: Ahsoka™.

Move the lever on his back to remotely activate his iconic head movements, pose his arms and legs, fold out a tool from his chest, and more. Choppers arms and his center wheel are detachable so he can be displayed as if his arms and wheel have been retracted into his body. Suitable for 10+.

RRP: $179.99

https://www.lego.com/en-au

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? LEGO Star Wars™ Chopper (C1-10P) Astromech Droid Suitable for 10+ – Create a playful display featuring a lovable astromech droid Chopper (C1-10P) with this LEGO® Star Wars™ buildable model kit with a buildable figure of Chopper, as seen in Star Wars: Ahsoka™. Move the lever on his back to remotely activate his iconic head movements, pose his arms and legs, fold out a tool from his chest, and more. Choppers arms and his center wheel are detachable so he can be displayed as if his arms and wheel have been retracted into his body. Suitable for 10+. RRP: $179.99 https://www.lego.com/en-au **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Little Jellies Swimwear Assorted – Size 4
Bright. Bold. Bursting with personality. Little Jellies is the new Australian swimwear label on a mission to make water play safer and more joyful for little ones and a little less stressful for parents. The brand is redefining safety-focused swimwear for safe, active summers.

Little Jellies caters to children aged 6 months to 6 years. The collection includes baby swimwear, rashies, sun tops, surf suits, mix-and-match separates, and bucket hats—each made with a snug-but-stretchy fit, UPF50+ sun protection, and quick-dry technology.

https://www.littlejellies.com.au/
@little.jellies.swim

We have a Long sleeve rash shirt in pink, briefs in purple, and yellow surfsuit all size 4 to give away valued at $139.85

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Little Jellies Swimwear Assorted – Size 4 Bright. Bold. Bursting with personality. Little Jellies is the new Australian swimwear label on a mission to make water play safer and more joyful for little ones and a little less stressful for parents. The brand is redefining safety-focused swimwear for safe, active summers. Little Jellies caters to children aged 6 months to 6 years. The collection includes baby swimwear, rashies, sun tops, surf suits, mix-and-match separates, and bucket hats—each made with a snug-but-stretchy fit, UPF50+ sun protection, and quick-dry technology. https://www.littlejellies.com.au/ @little.jellies.swim We have a Long sleeve rash shirt in pink, briefs in purple, and yellow surfsuit all size 4 to give away valued at $139.85 **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Get your skates on (or hire some of theirs) and get down to Sk8house in Carrum Downs for good old-fashioned family fun this school holidays. 

They’re OPEN EVERY DAY with General Sessions, Skate Classes and Birthday Parties, plus by popular demand, they’re also running Sensory Sessions every Friday morning! 

Find out more: https://www.sk8house.com.au/

@sk8houseau
•
Follow
Get your skates on (or hire some of theirs) and get down to Sk8house in Carrum Downs for good old-fashioned family fun this school holidays. They’re OPEN EVERY DAY with General Sessions, Skate Classes and Birthday Parties, plus by popular demand, they’re also running Sensory Sessions every Friday morning! Find out more: https://www.sk8house.com.au/ @sk8houseau
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.