Perth, May 5: Australian children are spending more than twice as much time on screens as they do playing organised sport, raising concerns about declining participation in grassroots activities.
New research commissioned by Woolworths Group found kids are clocking an average of 12.7 hours of screen time per week outside school, compared to just 5.8 hours in organised sport. Alarmingly, 13 per cent are not participating in any sport at all.
The findings come as the retailer opens applications for its 2026 netball grants program, aimed at boosting access and participation at a community level.
Nearly nine in ten parents surveyed said sport helps build their child’s confidence, while three in four believe it plays an important role in helping children make friends — highlighting a growing gap between recognised benefits and actual participation.
Former Australian Diamonds player Cath Cox said grassroots support remains critical to keeping kids engaged.
“As a coach and a parent, I’ve seen firsthand the impact sport can have on a child’s confidence and sense of belonging,” she said.
“It’s so encouraging to see initiatives like the Woolworths Netball Grants continuing to invest in local clubs because when clubs have the right facilities and support, more kids can get involved, have fun and stay active for longer.”
The 2026 program will distribute $100,000 across 40 clubs, with individual grants of $2,000 and a $20,000 People’s Choice award. Since launching in 2019, more than $1.1 million has been awarded to over 300 clubs nationwide.
Woolworths Group said the funding is designed to help local associations improve facilities, purchase equipment and create more opportunities for children to participate in sport.
Applications are open until August 6.
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