Wellbeing and Inclusion Update

WELLBEING WORDS

🌴 Mental Health Supports for Students Over School Holidays

As we approach the summer school holidays, things can get difficult for some families and children. It's important to ensure you know where to access mental health support when school is not in session. Please find below a list of resources that you might find useful.

24/7 Crisis Support Services:

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 - Free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5-25
Lifeline: 13 11 14 - 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 - 24/7 support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 - 24/7 telephone and online counselling
13YARN: 13 92 76 - 24/7 crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 - 24/7 telephone and online support for men
QLife: 1800 184 527 - Anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral (3pm-midnight daily)

Online and Chat Support:

eheadspace: Online and telephone support for young people 12-25 years (9am-1am, 7 days)
ReachOut: Online mental health resources and peer support forums for young people
headspace: Find your nearest headspace centre for in-person support
Youthbeyondblue: Online mental health support specifically for young people

Family Support:

Parentline: 13 22 89 - Telephone counselling and support for parents and carers (8am-midnight, 7 days)
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277 - Support for families and relationships

[LINK: Mental health supports for students over school holidays | vic.gov.au]

🚨 Social Media Age Restrictions - Starting 10 December 2025

Another important reminder: From 10 December 2025, some social media platforms will prevent Australians under 16 from creating or keeping accounts. Platforms likely to be age-restricted include Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube.

I have no doubt this will cause some issues for some children and how they will manage these changes but there is much evidence to support the reasons for same. The holidays are a great opportunity to explore their lives without SM and find new interests. Theres a whole wide world out there with lots of exciting opportunities. I look forward to hearing all about these in 2026.😊

eSafety Commissioner Resources Available:

Social media age restrictions hub with comprehensive guidance [LINK: eSafety hub]
Free 30-minute webinars for educators and families - multiple sessions throughout December [LINK: eSafety webinars]
Social media delay inserts for school newsletters [LINK: Kids Helpline Schools resources]

Key Resources for Different Audiences:

For Families: Complete guide, FAQs, and conversation prompts [LINK: eSafety parent guide]
For Young People: Get-ready guide for under 16s [LINK: eSafety youth guide]

May you all have a wonderful Christmas and safe, fun holiday with your loved ones and may your Christmas Stockings be filled with more than just your legs! Ms Georgie