Assistant Principal's 

Report

Social Media -Do we need it?

Most of our issues come from or connected someway to social media. In today’s digital age, social media platforms have unfortunately become part of our daily lives, offering instant communication, entertainment, and information sharing. However, it’s crucial to recognize the potential negative impacts these platforms can have on our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being of our students.

1. Mental Health Challenges

Research indicates a strong link between social media use and mental health issues, particularly among teenagers. Platforms that encourage comparison, such as Instagram and TikTok, can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression. The curated nature of online personas often presents an unrealistic view of life, causing users to feel as if they are constantly falling short.

2. Cyberbullying

Social media has unfortunately given rise to a new form of bullying: cyberbullying. Unlike traditional bullying, which can be more easily escaped, cyberbullying can invade a person’s home and private life. The anonymity of the internet can embolden bullies, making it easier for them to target others without facing immediate consequences. This can lead to severe emotional distress for victims.

3. Impacts on Relationships

While social media can help us stay connected, it can also strain real-life relationships. Many users find themselves more engaged with their online personas than with friends and family around them. This can lead to misunderstandings, jealousy, and feelings of isolation, as individuals may prioritize virtual interactions over meaningful face-to-face communication.

4. Sleep Disruption

The habit of scrolling through social media late at night can disrupt sleep patterns. Studies show that the blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to insomnia and decreased academic performance. Prioritizing sleep is essential for maintaining focus and mental clarity, especially during the school year.

5. FOMO and Reduced Productivity

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is a common experience for social media users, often leading to compulsive checking of notifications and feeds. This distraction can hinder productivity and focus, making it challenging for students to complete assignments or engage fully in classroom activities.

Strategies for Healthy Social Media Use

To mitigate these negative impacts, we encourage students and parents to consider the following strategies:

• Set Time Limits: Designate specific times for social media use to reduce mindless scrolling.
• Curate Your Feed: Follow accounts that promote positivity and well-being, and consider unfollowing those that evoke negative feelings.
• Engage Offline: Prioritize face-to-face interactions with friends and family to strengthen those relationships.
• Practice Mindfulness: Encourage moments of reflection on how social media affects your mood and mental health.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of social media, let’s work together to create a healthier online environment. By fostering open conversations and supporting one another, we can help ensure that our digital experiences enhance rather than hinder our lives.

Wellbeing Day - 15 November for all Secondary Students

SEED Workshops - Girls

Our experienced educators deliver a range of fun, inspiring and interactive well-being workshops to help foster and enhance self-esteem, positive body-image and respectful relationships. SEED Workshops delivers in-schools (Year 5 - Year 12), community facilities and workplaces.  We plant the seeds and provide the tools for students to become critical consumers of advertising and media messaging, to foster healthy relationships with friends and peers, and to take the reins in their own lives. Our SEED Workshops' holistic approach blends innovative teaching techniques to create an engaging environment helping students THRIVE. 

"I expected this was going to be boring, but it was the opposite! I learnt to be assertive, how to respectfully resolve conflicts, about gender equality, to respect my body, to respect my friends and not talk behind their backs, and that media representations are unrealistic. I feel like I have learnt a lot from these workshops in a way I haven't with any other organisation. It was excellent." Year 9 student 

Man Cave- Student Workshops - Boys

The whole day workshops experience encourages participants to explore the concept of ‘masculinity’ and the impacts of outdated societal expectations placed on men , and to build healthier relationships with themselves and those around them.

Based on the Rites of Passage framework the workshop creates safe places for participants to have real conversations with each other. They include group building activities, interactive games and healthy discussions on mental health, relationships and consent.

The Man Cave programs have been designed in consultation with young men , Psychologists and mental health experts to safely and reliably   create an attitudinal and behavioural shift in the boys that participate. 

Feedback from workshops show:

95% of participants would recommend the program to other young men 

98% think our facilitators are awesome

94% of boys rate the workshops 4 or 5 out of 5