COUNSELLING CONNECTIONS

Back to school

The back-to-school transition brings big changes for teens and parents alike – new routines, less time on devices, reconnecting with friends and sometimes even confronting unresolved issues from group chats and the online world. These shifts can stir up big feelings and managing them alongside device use at home can be an added stress for families this time of year.

Sometimes seeing your teen struggling with the adjustment can be the hardest part. To help ease this period for them, try to have open and honest conversations with them about their feelings and concerns as they transition back to school. Encourage them to share their excitement and any worries they may have, and as parents and carers, really pay attention to what they are saying. We may think it’s best to jump in and give solutions, however, often what children need is for you to listen, and listen with empathy. If they’re up for it, try working together to find solutions to any challenges they may face. This can help build their resilience and foster positive communication between you. Hopefully this communication channel can ease your own worries about how your child is going.

Other ideas include:

Bedtime and wake-up time 

It’s important to ensure teens get enough sleep.

• The Australian Centre for Education in Sleep recommends 8-10 hours for high school students.
• Adequate sleep contributes significantly to overall health, emotions, concentration, problem solving, creativity and motor coordination.
• Establish what time your teen needs to get up, allowing plenty of time to get ready, then work backwards to reach their optimal bedtime.

Bedtime hygiene 

This refers to creating the optimum environment for sleep.

• After your teen arrives home, have them avoid all drinks that contain caffeine or high levels of sugar, for example, energy drinks.

• Ensure electronic games, TV, video games etc. are turned off 1 hour before bed and

   introduce quiet activities such as reading.

A school space at home

More parents are finding that a nominated space for all things school, helps them to organise and better manage the school routine. Maybe call it The Launch Pad where all school items are kept and returned – school bags, lunch boxes, shoes, sporting goods, etc. Using such a space also helps your teen develop their own self-management skills and facilitates their organisational success by reducing the number of places they have to look for things needed for school.

Following these steps will help you to quickly and effectively re-establish a school year routine. For additional support or advice, please contact our counselling team at sac.counsellors@cns.catholic.edu.au or on 4052 9111. 

Source: Psychprofessionals.com.au 

The rise of toxic influencers: How they’re shaping young men

In recent years, influencers like Andrew Tate have gained significant traction among boys and young men. With his flashy lifestyle, polarising opinions and promises of "success", Tate appeals to young audiences seeking guidance, identity and direction. While he promotes a traditional, self-improvement version of masculinity, his messaging also normalises extreme misogyny and harmful behaviours, which can have lasting negative effects on impressionable minds. An article from Collective Shout, posted by Renee Chopping last month, discusses this subject.

A recent Emerging Minds newsletter featured a couple of articles that will interest many parents.

1. A neurodivergent-affirming approach to children’s mental health

Navigating a world that is built for neurotypical people can have a significant impact on a neurodivergent child’s wellbeing. But these mental health difficulties are not inevitable.

A "neurodivergent-affirming" therapeutic approach equips children and their families with skills, tools and strategies to better meet their needs. This approach has been found to increase children’s self-esteem and confidence, strengthen family and social relationships, improve learning and academic outcomes, and reduce anxiety and stress. An Emerging Minds podcast explores how such an approach supports children’s and parents’ mental health and what this approach looks like in practice. These podcasts are available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and the Emerging Minds website.

2. The impact of digital devices on children’s health

A recent review of over 40 studies of adolescent digital screen use has important findings for parents. The full report can be accessed here.

What did they find?

• Most studies were from Australia (n=6), China (n=6), Canada (n=5) or Germany (n=4). They typically offered cross-sectional snapshots (n=28) of digital device and media use, while four studies used experimental methods.
• The authors concluded that prolonged use of digital devices has a significant negative impact on a range of children’s physical and mental health outcomes.
• Digital device use led to decreased physical activity, sleep disturbances, behavioural issues, lower academic performance, socioemotional challenges and eye strain. Home confinement during Covid further increased digital device exposure with additional negative effects.
• Children with digital devices in their bedrooms had more screen time and a higher risk of sleep challenges compared to those who read books before bed.

What does this mean for practice?

• The review highlighted the need for balanced digital device use and parental awareness of the risks of excessive screen time to children’s health.
•  Those in clinical practice should inquire about children’s digital device usage at an early age and offer guidance to parents about reducing screen time for their children.
• To encourage healthy digital habits, children should have times without screens and activities that don’t involve digital devices. Schools can help by teaching digital skills or encouraging activities that don’t use screens.

Our contact detail

Please note that late last year our phone numbers changed, and the extension numbers have been reorganised. 

Marjike Keller mkeller@cns.catholic.edu.au 4052 9134 

Br Roger brroger@cns.catholic.edu.au 4052 9133 

Sacha Donaldson RN sdonaldson@cns.catholicedu.au 4052 9132