From the Principal

Supporting Families Through Proposed Social Media Changes

Over the past few weeks, you may have read about the Federal Government’s proposal to restrict access to platforms such as YouTube for young people under the age of 16. While this is not yet law, the discussion has raised important questions around how families manage technology use at home.

The aim of the proposed changes is to reduce harm to children from excessive screen time, cyberbullying and exposure to unsafe or age-inappropriate online material. As parents, many of you will be aware of the daily challenge of balancing your child’s online interests with their overall wellbeing.

At Lakeside College, we also recognise that platforms like YouTube can provide wonderful learning tools. Students often use tutorials to help with learning, creativity and problem-solving. The debate highlights that finding balance is key: how can we allow young people to benefit from digital resources, while ensuring they are safe, healthy and responsible in their use? The other question raised here is to what extent do parents have to restrict and monitor access to these sites.

Supporting Your Family at Home

Here are some resources and strategies that may be of assistance:

The eSafety Commissioner (Australia): A government website offering advice for parents on online safety, parental controls and family tech agreements.
Raising Children Network: Trusted Australian parenting advice, including screen-time guidelines and digital wellbeing tips for each age group.
Family Tech Agreements: Writing clear rules together with your children (about devices in bedrooms, screen-free times, or use of social media) can reduce conflict and help everyone know what’s expected.
Modelling good habits: Our children learn not just by what we say, but by what we do. Thoughtful use of devices in family time sends a powerful message.

At school, we will continue teaching students how to be discerning digital citizens, how to think critically about what they see online, look after their mental health and act responsibly in digital spaces.

As parents and educators, we are all partners in guiding young people through an ever-changing online world. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers or our Wellbeing Team if you would like personalised support in setting up healthy home routines.

Together, we can help young people navigate the online world with wisdom, resilience, humanity, compassion and confidence.

As a parent myself, I am always looking for guidance on how to best raise my children. I have never considered myself a particularly good parent; in fact, I think I fumbled my way through the roller coaster ride that is raising children. I am grateful to my wife for taking the reins in this regard and helping me raise two wonderful young men. A Bible verse that speaks to wise parenting and guidance in the digital age is Proverbs 22:6:

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”

Gracious God,

Thank you for the gift of our children and the opportunity to guide them day by day. As technology and social media become a bigger part of their lives, we ask for your wisdom and discernment. Help us to lead our families in healthy and safe digital habits and protect our children from harm online.

Give us patience and understanding when discussing screen time or setting boundaries. May our example reflect your love and our trust in your guidance. Surround our young people with good influences, both online and offline. Shield their hearts and minds from anything hurtful and help them discover content that inspires learning, creativity, and kindness.

Let us always start them off in the way they should go, relying on your strength and wisdom each step of the way.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Mr Robert Tassoni

Principal