Our Partners

Bay Doctors

I see the impacts of excessive screen time and social media exposure on young people, it is very concerning.

Echo Speech

As pediatric speech pathologists, we regularly see the effects of reduced face-to-face interaction and unstructured play on children’s communication development; therefore, supporting a community shift towards healthier tech habits aligns directly with our goals. Being a part of Port Stephens Unplugged allows Echo Speech to extend our impact beyond the therapy room, reinforcing our message that connection, play and conversation are essential building blocks for communication development. We’re also looking forward to connecting with other local professionals and families who share our commitment to improving children’s wellbeing across Port Stephens.

NELSON BAY Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre

“Over the past 15 years, we’ve observed first-hand the difference in children’s attention, behaviour and development when they have unrestricted access to their own or their parents’ electronic devices. What may begin as a convenient way to occupy a young child can quickly become an ingrained habit as they grow. Increasingly, we see children connecting through a phone rather than through conversation and face-to-face interaction. We also see the physical consequences: less movement, poorer sleep, and postural habits that can contribute to stiffness, rigidity and pain—patterns that can become increasingly difficult to change as children grow older. This is why reducing smartphone use for children is important to us and to our business vision ” to live your whole life better”. We believe children deserve the opportunity to develop strong social connections, healthy movement habits, quality sleep and the ability to engage fully with the world around them—without a screen always competing for their attention.”

Speech Moves Speech Pathology

Such a fabulous idea to support the young people in our community.

Still. Therapy

Therapy & Counselling, Nelson Bay

The Unplugged Movement mission is important to me because I see firsthand how much constant connection, technology and the pressure to always be “on” can impact people’s mental health and wellbeing. In my practice, I encourage people to slow down, reconnect with themselves and the people around them, and create more space for genuine connection. I love that the Unplugged Movement aligns with this and promotes a healthier, more balanced approach to everyday life.

Strive Hive Psychology

Psychology support for Port Stephens families

Strive Hive Psychology is proud to be the first partner in the Unplugged movement. Our psychologists see the impacts of devices on our community daily, and in particular on the social, emotional, behavioural and cognitive development of the next generation. We believe that by empowering the community to make change together, will shift some of the current norms around device usage and digital safety. Let’s raise our kids in a society that preserves play, connection and a real childhood!

Tailor Allied Health

Regularly disconnecting from mobile devices and screens is essential for the mental, physical, and social well-being of both children and adults. By stepping away from screens, we break the cycle of digital addiction and lower chronic stress, allowing our nervous systems to recover, cortisol levels to drop, and sleep quality to improve. This offline time fosters deeper face-to-face connections with family and peers, while encouraging children to engage in the active, imaginative play necessary for critical thinking and social development. Ultimately, reducing screen time mitigates anxiety and sedentary habits, replacing constant digital distraction with presence, physical movement, and improved overall health.

The Stable Place

At The Stable Place, so much of what we do centres on getting children and adults outdoors, engaged with animals, and present in the moment, experiences that are the natural opposite of screen time. We see every day how that kind of connection to nature and to another living being helps kids regulate, build confidence, and develop skills that a device simply can’t offer. Supporting a movement that helps families reclaim more of that unplugged time for their children feels like a genuine extension of what we’re already trying to build here.

Wavelengths

Allied Health Services to the Port Stephens area

As a team, Wavelengths Allied Health recognises that children’s development is supported not only through therapy, but also through healthy environments and daily routines that promote wellbeing, confidence and meaningful connection.