Save the Date – Cyber Safety Expert:

We are thrilled to announce that we have secured Australia’s leading Cyber Safety expert, Mrs Susan McLean, to present at College. Susan will run a parent session on Monday 1 August, at 7:00pm-8:30pm in the Simons Auditorium, Kantor Family Music and Performing Arts Centre. This is a free session but tickets will be limited to auditorium capacity. Please keep an eye on our social channels and www.hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au for a link to book your seat. Susan will then work with our students on Tuesday. This is such an incredible opportunity for our families and students and we would like to thank our P&F Committee for making this possible.

Screen time - How much is too much?

How much is too much time online?

There is no magic guideline for the ‘right’ amount of time for children to spend online. This is a matter for you to decide—but there are guidelines that can help you in addition to factoring in the age of your kids, their maturity level and your family dynamics.

What do the experts suggest is appropriate for entertainment?

A great place to start is understanding what health professionals recommend. The Department of Health has established Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines, which include links to brochures, fact sheets and tips for physical entertainment.

Australia’s National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines *

Your child’s age		Recommended screen time
Under 2 years		Zero. Babies and toddlers should not watch any television or other electronic media (DVDs, computers and electronic games).
2 to 5 years		Less than one hour per day. Limit their time sitting and watching TV or using other electronic media.
5 to 17 years		Less than two hours per day. Limit their use of electronic media for entertainment (TV, computers and seated electronic games)

*These guidelines are for entertainment purposes only and do not include screen time for educational purposes.

What about screen time for educational purposes?

The internet is a great tool for educational support and some of the time that your child will spend online will be for this purpose. In fact, more schools are now implementing a ‘bring your own device policy’ in the classroom to take advantage of online education in the classroom. It is crucial that you help your children strike the right balance between online time for education and online time for entertainment and social networking.

How can I help my kids strike the right balance?

Health experts recommend limiting sedentary behaviour because of risks linked to chronic disease, obesity, sleeping issues, poor academic performance and reduced face-to-face social contact. But screen time in moderation can provide many benefits including enhanced learning experiences, creativity, social interaction, entertainment, support in literacy and numeracy skills and improvement in motor skills. So striking a balance between social activities that include active time away from screens is incredibly important.

How can I tell if my child is online too much?

If your child’s online activity appears to be having a negative impact on their personal wellbeing or physical behaviour (or on your family), then consider discussing expectations and time limits. Some of these noticeable changes that can indicate excessive internet use include:

online activities interfering with general health and wellbeing
obsession with particular websites or games
anger when being asked to take a break from online activity
appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer
spending increasing amounts of time online
a declined interest in social activities like meeting friends or playing sport
excessive tiredness
decline in academic performance and failing to complete schoolwork
seemingly isolated or withdrawn
reduced personal hygiene
negative changes in their behaviour
ongoing headaches, eye strain and sleep disturbance.

How can I tell if behavioural changes are just their age?

Some behavioural changes are a normal part of growing up (teenagers, anyone!), but try to find out why your child is struggling, as there may be underlying issues such as cyberbullying, friendship difficulties or mental health issues. As part of your conversation, ask your child about how much time they spend online and explain why it is worrying. Try not to show that you disapprove or they might shut down communication altogether. Talking to their school may also reveal academic or social issues but they may also be able to provide support.

SOURCE: www.esafety.gov.au

Kristen Waldron

Deputy Principal Wellbeing

The Hamilton and Alexandra College Newsletter

Sesquicentenary Year - issue 56 · 16 Jun 2022

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