Parents Embrace Digital Pause

By Genevieve Muir

As Australia prepares for an upcoming social media ban, many families are rethinking their digital habits – and rediscovering an unlikely hero of everyday connection: the family car.
New YouGov research commissioned by Mazda shows a clear cultural shift, with parents looking to reclaim simple, screen-free moments on the road.
While 93 per cent of parents say car drives are an important space for conversation, 77 per cent admit those moments are often lost to devices. With the ban on the horizon, families are planning a reset: more than two in five expect deeper conversations during drives, and almost half are intentionally swapping screens for games, chats and shared experiences.
Parenting expert Genevieve Muir says it’s no coincidence the car is where kids often open up the most – and the coming digital pause is set to reshape how Australian families connect in 2025.

Use the car as a “soft landing zone.
Kids open up most when there’s no pressure to make eye contact or have big conversations. Side-by-side is a safe space. Start each drive with a few calm, quiet minutes, you’ll be amazed how naturally they begin to talk once they settle.

Make boredom your secret weapon.
I always say today’s kids don’t know the magic of raindrops racing down the window. A little boredom isn’t a problem, it’s a spark. It fuels creativity, resilience and storytelling. When there’s nothing to do, kids start to share.

Swap interrogation for curiosity.
Ditch the classic “How was your day?” (you’ll get one-word answers). Use open prompts like “Who made you laugh today?” or “What’s something you wish adults understood better?” These questions invite real conversation, not performance.

Build tiny rituals that only happen in the car.
Connection loves routine. Try a special song, a quick “rose and thorn” of the day, or a simple game you always play at red lights. These rituals become anchors and memories.

Keep car time device-free “just for now”.
This isn’t about being anti-screen; it’s about being pro-connection. A simple script like “Let’s keep the car phone-free so we can chat while we drive” frames it as a family habit, not a punishment. Kids respond far better when they understand the “why.”

Take advantage of car features.
Cars can be part of the travel fun and help children feel at home on the go. Make it a game to guess what different buttons do, or recognising sounds the car makes. Get the kids to locate the car’s speakers – in the CX-80, there are eight to find. By understanding the car they’re in, kids can feel content on the move.