Digital Parenting Program
Online Support to Help Your Young Person Reset Their Relationship with Screens
Is your young person…
- Overusing screens – gaming, social media or devices?
- Addicted to gaming, social media or their phone?
- More interested in screens than real-life interaction or activities?
- Disengaging from friends and family?
- Aggressive when asked to stop using screens?
- Lashing out at you or other family members?
- Socially isolated or becoming so?
- Anxious?
- Emotionally dysregulated?
- Suffering with mental health issues?
- Underperforming at school?
- Unfocused?
- Unmotivated?
- Not sleeping well?
- Tired but wired?
This course is designed specifically for parents and carers of children and young people with ADHD.
Its goal is to inform and empower you to work with your child—equipping you with practical, workable strategies that will make a real difference to daily family life.
The course promotes engagement through empathy, acceptance, and a non-judgmental environment.
You’ll gain deeper understanding of your child’s world, increased empathy for their perspective, and greater confidence in your parenting skills.
Previously delivered face-to-face in Sydney (2015–2020), this valuable course is now fully online—so it’s accessible to everyone, anywhere, anytime.
You’ll Learn To:
- Understand your ADHD child’s world
- Recognise how ADHD affects your family
- Identify reasons for challenging behaviours
- Apply practical parenting strategies
- Relate more effectively to your child
- Build better routines and relationships
- Use Collaborative & Proactive Solutions
- Apply rewards and consequences appropriately
- Avoid and de-escalate challenging behaviour
- Reduce stress and anxiety in your home
- Navigate treatment options and medication
- Optimise your child’s sleep
- Collaborate more effectively with schools
- Build your child’s self-esteem
- Practise effective self-care
- Strengthen family problem-solving
You’ll Enjoy:
- Easy-to-access videos, audio, PDFs, and worksheets
- Bite-sized weekly modules with lifetime access
- Weekly handouts and a Parenting ADHD Action Plan workbook
- Less stress and more parenting confidence
Presented by Vivian Dunstan
Founder of ADHD Support Australia
- Qualified teacher & course facilitator
- Certified PEERS® Coach for Teens & Young Adults
- Certified NeuroACT program provider
- ADDCA-trained ADHD Coach
- Former RAISE mentor
- ADHD parent and adult with lived experience
This course is based on a program developed by the Institute of Family Practice, enriched by Vivian’s extensive research and personal experience.
For more details, contact Vivian: vivian@adhdsupportaustralia.com.au
Link to Register via ADHD Support Australia on Teachable:
Does this sound familiar?
If you answered yes to one or more of the above, and you’re thinking “this is not how a young person should be” — you’re absolutely right.
Could these issues be linked to screen use?
In today’s digital age, our young people are spending more time than ever before on screens. We’ve never experienced this in all of human history — this is entirely new territory.
Technology is a double-edged sword. It offers convenience, entertainment, and connection — but also delivers a new set of challenges for our young people, ourselves, and our families.
As Christina Aguilera put it…
In 2022, she re-released her 2002 song Beautiful to highlight the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and body image.
The Christina Aguilera video ends with this message:
“Research suggests that time spent on social networking sites is associated with body image issues, self-harm and disordered eating in children and teens. This needs to change.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Why are screens so addictive?
It’s no accident — they’re designed to be. Instant gratification, stimulation, bright colours, sounds and interactivity are irresistible to developing brains that crave novelty and reward. Screens provide all of that in abundance.
Young people often lose themselves in the online world, where they may feel more powerful and in control — even though the opposite is usually true.
What’s happening in the brain?
Research shows that excessive screen time can negatively impact the developing brain in many ways:
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Physical health issues (e.g. obesity, poor posture, eye strain)
- Mood and emotional dysregulation
- Delays in social and emotional development
- Reduced empathy and difficulty forming meaningful relationships
- Poor concentration and motivation
- Disconnection from family life
- Increased conflict at home
Establishing healthy digital habits
Screen use isn’t natural — it has real, and sometimes damaging, effects. That’s why establishing healthy digital habits is so important.
What if you could…
Take back control of your family life and help your young person move towards:
- A healthier relationship with digital media
- Improved mental health
- A calmer nervous system and reduced anxiety
- Better physical wellbeing
- Stronger connections with friends and family
- Greater social confidence
- Wider interests beyond screens
- Increased motivation and focus
- Better academic performance
If that sounds like what you need, the Online 6-Week Digital Parenting Program is here to support you.
This course will help you:
- Rescue your young person from screen overuse or addiction
- Reset their brain
- Reclaim their mental and physical wellbeing
- Reconnect them with family and friends
- Develop a healthy, sustainable relationship with technology
- Create a personalised digital safety plan
- Rediscover their potential so they can thrive
Your Solution Starts Here – It’s Time to Take Back Control
Once you understand the neuroscience connecting screen use with what’s happening in your young person’s brain, you’ll gain the clarity and motivation to take action — fast.
That’s exactly why I created the Online 6-Week Digital Parenting Program: to help young people disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with themselves, their families, and real life.
A Step-by-Step Approach
Through this course, you’ll be guided step by step to reduce screen time, break unhealthy habits, and establish healthier routines that improve your young person’s mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
What You’ll Learn
The Digital Parenting Program is designed to help you:
- Transform your young person’s relationship with technology
- Reduce family conflict and restore peace at home
- Understand the effects of screen use and what healthy digital habits look like
- Navigate challenges when weaning your young person off screens
- Find the right balance between helpful and harmful tech
- Create a realistic digital safety plan tailored to your family
Screen struggles don’t discriminate. This course is for all families — with or without a diagnosis — although those with ADHD or Autism may be more vulnerable to screen overuse and its effects.
What Benefits Can You Expect?
- Improved Focus & Concentration: By limiting digital distractions, your young person can focus better, particularly if they have ADHD or attention challenges.
- Reduced Anxiety & Stress: Taking a break from screens gives the brain and nervous system space to breathe and reset.
- Increased Creativity & Productivity: With fewer digital interruptions, your young person has more time to explore hobbies, passions and real-life goals.
- Better Sleep: Quality sleep improves dramatically when screen use is managed — a vital pillar of mental health, especially for those with ADHD.
Is This Program Right for You?
Yes — if you’re ready to shift your young person’s relationship with tech and support their future in a world where digital use is increasing by the day.
This program gives you everything you need — tools, support and guidance — to confidently take the next step. Yes, it’s daunting. Yes, it’s worth it.
This course is suitable for you if:
This course is suitable for you if:
- Your young person is a pre-teen, teen, or young adult
- They have a diagnosis of ADHD, Autism — or not
- They have minimal screen use that’s still affecting them
- They’re already addicted to tech and use it excessively
- You’ve set rules and limits, but they’re not working
- Your young person denies there’s a problem
- You don’t think they’ll be on board
- The issue is social media, gaming, or another online activity
- It’s a minor distraction — or a massive one
- You want to set them up with lifelong digital health habits
- They’re not yet using devices — and you want to be prepared
Common concerns...
Not sure you’re ready?
These are some of the most common worries I hear from parents — and we address them all inside the course:
- “I’m sure my young person won’t do it.”
- “What will other people say?”
- “How will this affect my child long-term?”
- “Removing screens will cause a huge fight.”
- “Won’t they lose touch with their friends?”
We walk through these situations step-by-step so you’re supported every step of the way — and never alone.
What’s the Alternative to Joining the Online Digital Parenting Program?
Yes — intervention is hard. Your young person may resist. It’s a daunting task to limit screen use, and they likely won’t give up their devices without a fight.
Consider the alternatives...
Consider the heartbreaking alternatives if nothing changes:
- Unhealthy digital habits that persist for life
- Escalating addiction to devices, gaming, or social media
- Ongoing family conflict
- Aggression and emotional outbursts
- Disconnection from family and friends
- Loneliness, social isolation, and difficulty forming relationships
- Chronic anxiety or emotional dysregulation
- Mental health issues that deepen over time
- Poor academic performance, low motivation, and lack of focus
- Disrupted sleep, constant fatigue, and physical health issues
These are not the outcomes you want — and avoiding action now could make things much harder later.
Your young person may:
- Complain
- Say they hate you
But ultimately — they will thank you for it.
Do what’s right, even if it’s hard
How important is it to you to act now, and do what’s best for your family — even if it’s difficult?
The earlier you begin, the easier it is to make meaningful change. Even if your child is now a young adult — it’s never too late.
Technology can serve us — without ruling us. There is a better way. Let me show you how.
Inside the Online 6-Week Digital Parenting Program
- Learn how screen use affects your young person’s brain, behaviour, and wellbeing
- Join weekly group Zoom calls to connect, ask questions, and feel supported
- Become part of an exclusive Facebook group for participants
- Break the cycle of digital dependence
- Establish healthy screen boundaries — for them and for you
- Rediscover joy in simple pleasures and offline life
- Access resources and tools to complete the program with confidence
Start Today — In the Way That Suits You
There are two ways to take part in the program:
- Interactive Digital Parenting Program: Full access, including weekly Zoom calls and Facebook group support
- Start Anytime Digital Parenting Program: Self-paced option with the same content but without Zoom or Facebook support
Program Details
Interactive Digital Parenting Program Details
My program includes a variety of tools and resources to help your young person achieve a healthier digital balance—and more.
You’ll gain access to online workshops, exercises, and downloadable materials designed to help you form new habits and routines that support your young person’s wellbeing.
What’s Included
- 6 x 1-hour live group Zoom calls with me and other participants
- Exclusive Facebook group for community support and connection
- All course materials accessible anytime, for as long as you need them
- Simple, science-based content without jargon or overwhelm
- Video and audio lessons for all learning styles
- Printable handouts, checklists, workbooks, and activity guides
- Links to further reading and recommended tools
The program is designed for all parents—whether or not your young person has a diagnosis of ADHD or Autism. If your child is struggling with screen use, this is for you.
Program Structure
The course is divided into 6 modules, each broken into bite-sized lessons with summaries and takeaways. You’ll receive tools and strategies to follow through at each step.
Start Anytime Digital Parenting Program
Prefer to work independently? This version gives you full access to all program content—without group Zoom calls or the Facebook group. Perfect if you’re self-paced and don’t need extra support.
Program Modules Overview
Module 1: Why Digital Parenting?
Learn how your child’s brain develops and why screens are so compelling. We explore the neuroscience behind screen addiction, how to build empathy with your child, and the importance of healthy tech habits. You’ll also define your goals and vision for digital parenting.
Outline:
- Building blocks of a healthy brain
- The power of screens
- Our brains on screens
- It’s not all in your head
- Defining digital parenting
Module 2: Planning for Success
Take stock of your current tech habits and set goals. You’ll develop a clear reset plan and prepare to communicate it to your young person. Tools include baseline assessments, SMART goals, and printable planning aids.
Outline:
- Taking stock: where you’re at and where you want to go
- Developing your digital reset plan
- Talking to your young person
- Preparing to reset
Module 3: Getting Started
Implement the plan. Learn how to coach your young person through withdrawal, replace screen time with healthy alternatives, and re-establish connection at home. You’ll gain practical tools and support for staying on track.
Outline:
- Creating healthier digital habits
- Becoming a coach
- Managing meltdowns
- Restoring interests
- Reconnecting as a family
Module 4: Hold the Line
Stay motivated and manage challenges. You’ll reflect on what’s working, cope with stress, and build long-term resilience. We also explore the importance of sleep in tech recovery.
Outline:
- Checking in
- Coping with stress
- Keeping going
- Sleep optimisation (optional)
Module 5: Troubleshooting
Tackle problems together using collaborative strategies. Support your young person’s social development and reflect on the difference between real and virtual connections.
Outline:
- Collaborative & Proactive Solutions
- Facetime: social skills and friendships
- Reflection time
Module 6: Back to the Future
Evaluate progress and plan for long-term success. You’ll create a personalised healthy digital lifestyle plan that reflects everything you and your young person have learned.
Outline:
- Creating your healthy digital lifestyle plan
Ready to Take the First Step?
Start transforming your young person’s relationship with technology today by enrolling in the 6-week Online Digital Parenting Program.
About Your Course Creator
Vivian Dunstan
Founder, ADHD Support Australia
- Certified Tech Addiction & Digital Health Educator (NIDHW)
- Certified PEERS® Teen & Young Adult Social Skills Coach
- Certified NeuroACT Program Provider
- ADDCA-trained ADHD Coach
- Facilitator, Parenting Children with ADHD (since 2015)
- Masters of Teaching (Primary)
- Former RAISE High School Mentor
- Host of 150+ ADHD Expert Talks
- Parent of a now young adult with ADHD
- ADHD lived experience
- Supporting the ADHD community since 2013
Why I Created This Program
As a parenting educator, I’ve seen firsthand how screen use is the top issue parents struggle with. It’s often linked to aggression, meltdowns, tantrums, and family conflict. Screens also tend to become the primary reward or consequence in many households.
Through my PEERS® programs, I’ve seen teens and young adults search for connection online—often at the cost of disconnecting from family, friends, and real-world activities. Sadly, this leads to more isolation, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.
Increased screen use fuels a cycle of:
- Nervous system dysregulation
- Fewer real-life interactions
- Limited opportunities to build social skills and friendships
Many parents I work with feel torn—reluctant to take away the one thing their child enjoys, while knowing it’s preventing them from reaching their potential.
That’s why I became a Certified Tech Addiction & Digital Health Educator (NIDHW) and created this course—to equip parents with education, support, and a pathway to change. Since introducing these ideas in my weekly parenting Zooms, parents consistently report: when screen time is reduced, behaviour improves and family life becomes calmer.
The Digital World Has Moved Fast
As the first generation of iGen parents, we’ve been caught off guard. Technology has advanced rapidly—faster than we’ve been able to understand or assess its impacts. We often accept screens as progress, without question or caution.
But the truth is: if health professionals aren’t asking about your child’s screen use, how would you know to question it?
I’m here to help you do exactly that—ask the hard questions and make informed choices for your family. I always have. I always will.
Important Note
The Online 6-week Digital Parenting Program is for educational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic or medical service, nor a substitute for mental health care. If you or your young person are facing mental health challenges, please seek professional support tailored to your situation.