From the Director of Student Culture & Character Development

Use of Technology in the Holidays

The holidays are a time when your young person can become very active online using the range of technology available to them at home. This can take the form of online gaming or use of social media apps. While it is acknowledged that this is a part of their daily lives now, there is a lot of research that encourages the idea that parents should support their young person’s physical and mental health by putting boundaries in place. 

Attached are a couple of information posters from the esafety commission (www.esafety.gov.au) dealing with strategies to put in place, such as creating a Family Contract surrounding all things to do with use of technology. If you would like to seek more information the above website is a great place to start. 

Vaping

Vaping by young people under the age of 18 years is becoming a news worthy topic. The availability of vapes to young people is not well monitored; they appear to be easily obtainable online for small amounts of money or from under the counter at a range of stores. Yes, these are illegal practices but I am more interested in educating your young person on the health risks of vaping. I am sure that your young person will find themselves in a range of social situations during these upcoming holidays. It is during these times that a vape may be passed around a circle of friends as part of their socialising. The peer pressure to go along is very real.

Please continue to discuss vaping with your young person, discuss the impacts nicotine has on their brain and the damage the intake of the vapours left over from the ‘juice’ can have on their lung function. Unlike cigarettes, the damage caused by vaping is irreversible. Please impress upon your young person that they can make a decision to decline to use a vape and still maintain their friendships.

WISHING EVERYONE A RELAXING AND ENJOYABLE BREAK!

Mrs. Jacqueline Haines

Director of Student Culture & Character Development