Renowned Child Development Expert Dr Michael Nagel Joins Forces with GymbaROO to Tackle Aussie Kids’ Screen-Time Crisis

As screens become ever more present in children’s lives, GymbaROO is thrilled to announce a partnership with neuropsychologist Dr Michael Nagel, a globally recognised child development expert and trusted voice for Aussie parents and educators.

As screens become ever more present in children’s lives, GymbaROO is thrilled to announce a partnership with neuropsychologist Dr Michael Nagel, a globally recognised child development expert and trusted voice for Aussie parents and educators.

Dr Nagel, Professor at the University of the Sunshine Coast and author of 23 books, will work directly with GymbaROO’s community of franchisees, teachers, and parents. Together, they'll deepen the understanding of how real-world play shapes young brains, bringing educators the latest neuroscience insights at a crucial time when excessive screen use is undermining children’s potential for optimal brain development.

“Dr Nagel’s evidence-based strategies will give our educators even more confidence that what they do every day, through movement, play, and sensory integration, truly nourishes the young brain. He’ll also guide us with fresh, practical insights to support today’s families,” said GymbaROO CEO Corina Vucic.

Key Themes Dr Nagel Will Address:

• The neuroscience of ‘livewired’ brains: how play and movement shape a child’s neural pathway
• The developmental impact of screen time versus imaginative, active learning
• Practical ways to build resilience, attention, and a lifelong love of learning in children

With Australian families confronting unprecedented challenges, especially as Millennial and Gen Z parents raise the first generation of true digital natives, Dr Nagel’s approach is both empathetic and empowering. Rather than shaming parents for screen use, he provides them - and the educators who support them - with accessible, evidence-backed strategies for balancing technology with the vital role of play.

Dr Nagel will also support GymbaROO educators with ongoing professional learning, workshops, and resources designed to translate neuroscience into everyday practice. His upcoming book, 'The Live-Wired: Nurturing a Child’s Developing Brain (August 2026)', is set to become a key reference for both parents and teachers, offering further guidance on raising happy, resilient children in the digital era.

“His work doesn’t just complement what we do, it energises us to deliver even greater outcomes for every child and family at GymbaROO,” Vucic said

“Together, we’re helping every Aussie child build the best possible foundation, for learning, for life, and for the future.”