Child Protection Week 2025
This Child Protection Week and beyond, we’re encouraging adults to consider how they can increase positive connections with kids in their lives in a fast-paced digital world.
Our new national campaign, Let’s Connect IRL (In Real Life), came about after research revealed more children aged 10 to 16 preferred to spend time with their families in-person compared to being online.
The campaign was co-designed by children and comes at a critical time with Australia becoming the first country to implement social media restrictions for children under the age of 16.
The research
Act for Kids commissioned a survey of 308 children aged 10 to 16 years old.
The survey, conducted by Pure Profile, asked participants about their online habits and how they preferred to spend quality time with family.
The survey found:
What kids told us...
How adults can improve their connection with kids
The survey results and feedback from children who co-designed our campaign were clear: we need to listen to kids’ voices and explore different ways to connect with them. This could be in real life or by exploring their interests online or even trying new things such as playing games together online.
It’s about quality, not quantity. Most people are time-poor and juggling many competing demands. Short, meaningful moments spent together can be just as impactful as spending long periods of time together.
How can I foster meaningful connections with children?
If you know anyone who needs support:
For children needing support:
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 | kidshelpline.com.au
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
- eSafety kids: esafety.gov.au/kids or to report online harm, visit: esafety.gov.au/report
For parents and carers needing support:
- eSafety Parents: esafety.gov.au/parents or to report online harm, visit: esafety.gov.au/report
- Australian Government parenting help and support: dss.gov.au/help-and-support-parenting-and-children/parenting-help-and-support
- Raising Children Network: raisingchildren.net.au