Wellbeing - Parents

Wellbeing Contribution - Parents

My child needs support! How can I refer them?

Seeking help is a sign of strength and not a weakness. If you ever have concerns about your child’s mental health or wellbeing, please do not hesitate to reach out to the year

coordinators or contact any of the wellbeing staff directly. Students are also able to drop-in and speak with wellbeing of their own accord if they would like to seek support.

Mental health support can also be accessed externally. You would first need to access a GP to request for a mental health care plan, which your child can then utilise to access

subsidised external support through an external provider. Again, if you require any support in navigating this, please feel free to reach out to one of us and we will endeavour to work with you to access the best support in the most comfortable way for your child.

Bullying vs Banter: How to know the difference and what to do when your child is being bullied

We can all remember a time when an off-the-cuff comment in jest was suddenly no longer funny and quickly turned sour. Banter is a classic Australian ritual and rite of passage, especially in high school! Banter between friends can strengthen friendships, start new ones, and shows those around you that you don’t take yourself too seriously. But let’s face it, when it goes too far or hits a sore spot it can turn into straight-up bullying, even if you or your friends don’t mean to. In the lives of today’s young people, where social media and communication are a fundamental aspect of their daily lives, distinguishing between harmless banter and harmful bullying has never been more important. So, how do you tell the difference? Here’s a closer look at these two concepts and how to navigate them responsibly.

What is Banter?

Banter usually happens among friends or colleagues who have a shared understanding of each other’s boundaries and without the intention of causing harm. Banter occurs when:

There are friendly and light-hearted jokes.
Jokes are made with mutual respect and consent.
Both parties find it funny and enjoyable.
These jokes don’t hurt feelings or self-esteem.

Banter can strengthen relationships and create memories that last a lifetime when done with respect and empathy. It’s important that this is always the intent of these jokes and that others in the group are comfortable with the exchange.

What is Bullying?

Bullying, on the other hand, is repeated behaviours intended to intimidate, belittle, or hurt someone (physically, mentally, and emotionally). It can occur in various forms, including verbal, physical, or cyberbullying and the effects of bullying can have severe and long-lasting impacts on mental health, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing. Bullying occurs when:

Jokes are repeated, targeted, and harmful.
Jokes intend to belittle, intimidate, or isolate someone.
jokes are often one-sided and makes others uncomfortable.
Jokes can have serious emotional and psychological effects.

Tips for teens to know the difference

Remember the following when trying to decipher if the joke you are about to make is banter or bullying:

1. Watch the topic! Okay, so there are some things are just not cool to joke about. For instance, making fun of someone's family or picking or their appearance. Imagine if someone started making jokes about your acne that you are struggling with controlling – that’s not fun. Serious topics such as self-harm or the death of a close one are a whole other level of unacceptable banter. Just remember to keep it light and steer clear of topics that could hurt someone’s feelings.

2. Would you say it to their face? Banter between you and your group can be fun. Remember the first time you told a hilarious light-hearted joke about a classmate? That was awesome! Now imagine it wasn’t light-hearted and that joke went around school and now everyone is jumping on board or posting it on social media. Not everyone is going get the inside joke, especially if they're from different backgrounds or don't know you. That person may be hurt by the joke and now everyone is spreading it. Remember, if you wouldn’t say it to their face you probably shouldn’t say it at all.

3. Respect everyone’s boundaries! Everybody has their limits or topics that they personally don’t find funny. If someone asks you to lay off a certain topic or tone it down, respect that. Showing consideration for each other's feelings and comfort zones is a true act of friendship. Remember, good friends know when to draw the line and stop.

4. Speak up for others! If you see someone being bullied, or if the banter is getting out of hand, don't just stand by. Speak up and let your friends know that it's not ok. Creating a culture of kindness where everyone feels safe to be themselves is far more important than laughing at an unkind joke just so you can fit in for a short time.

Recognising the difference between banter and bullying is essential for maintaining respectful and supportive relationships, both online and offline. Remember, kindness and respect should always guide our interactions. If things ever get too much online, don't hesitate to reach out for help from the wellbeing team or your Student Learning Leader/House Leader. You can also reach out to the eSafety Commissioner.

If you have been threatened, harassed or had private content posted online you can contact the eSafety Commissioner at: https://www.esafety.gov.au/

What to do if your teen is being bullied

Bullying is a distressing experience for any teenager, and as a parent it's natural to feel concerned and eager to support your child through this challenging time. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this situation if it occurs:

Validate their feelings. If your teenager confides in you that they are being bullied, it's essential that you reassure them that they are not alone, the bullying is not their fault, and validate their emotions such as anger, sadness or shame without judgment.
Create an action plan: Work together to develop a proactive action plan to address the bullying. Report instances of bullying by identifying trusted adults at the school who can support your teen, such as teachers or the wellbeing team for support and guidance. Discuss strategies for responding to bullying incidents and empower your teenager to assertively advocate for themselves.
Address cyberbullying: In today's digital age, cyberbullying has become a prevalent issue affecting teenagers. Educate yourself and your teenager about the dangers of online chats, cyberbullying, and the steps they can take to protect themselves online. Set clear boundaries and guidelines for responsible internet use at home and encourage them to report any instances of cyberbullying or online harassment.
Monitor their wellbeing: Keep a close eye on your teenager's behaviour and presentations for signs of distress or changes in mood. Encourage them to seek support from trusted adults if they are struggling to cope with the bullying or suddenly begin to behave in way that is unlike them (this could be a sign that something is wrong or they are being bullied).
Be the example: As a parent, you play a crucial role in modelling positive behaviour and attitudes for your teen. By demonstrating empathy and kindness in your interactions with others, you teach them the importance of treating other with respect and standing up against bullying in all its forms and cultivate positive friendships with their peers. Having a strong support network can help reduce the negative effects of bullying and provide a sense of belonging, support, and safety.
Monitor for signs of bullying behaviour: Be alert for signs that your teenager may be engaging in bullying behaviour themselves. Address any concerning behaviours promptly and teach them about the consequences of their actions on others.
Promote Self-Care Practices: Encourage your teenager to engage in activities that promote relaxation for them. This could include listening to music, taking a walk, hanging out with friends, or journaling.

If you are concerned that your teen is being bullied, or engaging in bullying behaviours themselves, reach out to a member of the wellbeing team, your teen’s Coordinator, or a member of the Principal team as soon as possible for support and advice.

Parent Support Services

We understand that supporting a young person with mental health concerns can be hard. If you are thinking of engaging in some extra support for yourself, or are interested in some information to help with concerns as they arise, please take a look at the document attached which you can use to talk things through. You don’t have to do it on your own!

THS Parent Resources & Support.pdf

The Wellbeing Team

Lauren, Steph, Livia, Jess