Wellbeing - Middle School
Social Media Ban: Update
In September I wrote to families about the proposed social media ban legislation. Well, now it seems it is one step closer. On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced he had settled on the age of 16: the same age the Coalition has previously said it would support.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the age limit was the result of "extensive consultation", and the legislation was about "protecting young people, not punishing them". It would find a balance between minimising the harms experienced by young people during such a critical period of their development while also providing support structures in place and access to services.
So, who does it affect?
Australian children and teenagers under the age of 16, even if they already have a social media account.
When does it start?
Not for at least a year. This will give social media platforms 12 months to get organised before the law comes into force.
What platforms will it apply to?
Obvious ones like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat and X would all be captured. But there are many more given the law’s definition will attempt to capture this more broadly. There will also be an exemption framework for "low risk" platforms as determined by the eSafety Commissioner.
How will it be enforced?
It will be the responsibility of social media companies to take reasonable steps to block people under 16. The eSafety Commissioner will work to ensure the global tech companies are monitoring.
Working in schools, we are acutely aware of negative impacts that the unfettered access to social media is having on the mental health of children and young teenagers. A lot more to come in this space, as legislation aims to get passed through by the end of the year.
Alexandros Sinadinos
Director of Middle School
Teenage Boys: Health, Food, Nutrition and ADHD
There is no doubt that our physical, emotional, and cognitive health is tied to the foods we eat.
In Year 8 Pastoral Care lessons this term we have been looking closely at diet and exercise, and the impact of our physical health on our mental health. We learnt about fats, proteins, sugars and carbs and how they work differently to fuel our bodies. We talked about teenage boys and body image, and the potential harmful effects of media, particularly social media, on self-esteem.
The boys enjoyed documenting their food intake over the last few days and using AI to determine the extent to which their diet and nutrition was meeting their health needs. We even had AI create a meal plan for us based on our height, weight and exercise regime.
Boys at this age are often acutely aware of their physicality and their body image.
In our discussions, the topic of ADHD and the effects of ADHD medication on appetite was raised. We discussed the fact that unfortunately, there seems to be a trend among boys to avoid their medication as they don’t want to ‘lose weight’, or just as alarmingly, ADHD medication is beginning to be seen as something worth taking if boys are trying to lose weight.
We agreed on the importance of taking ADHD medication strictly as recommended by the treating physician, and also stressed the importance of eating a protein-rich and satisfying, healthy breakfast every morning – usually before taking medication. The boys said that eggs, sausages, toast, milk, porridge and bananas made up some of their favourite breakfasts.
Medication has its place, particularly in more severe cases of ADHD, but increasingly studies show the vital role nutrition plays in regulating symptoms of ADHD like distractibility, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Perhaps not unsurprisingly though, it turns out that the best nutrition for teenage boys with ADHD is not dissimilar from the best nutrition for teenage boys generally.
The following information comes from two articles published on the ADDitude website (ADDitude - ADD and ADHD Symptom Tests, Signs, Treatment, Support). See article links below.
Go with protein.
Foods rich in protein - lean beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, soy, and low-fat dairy products may have beneficial effects on ADHD symptoms. Protein-rich foods are used by the brain to make neurotransmitters — chemicals that help brain cells talk with each other. Eating protein for breakfast will help a child build brain-awakening neurotransmitters. Protein also prevents surges in blood sugar, which increases hyperactivity.
Cut back on sugar.
The single most important thing most often recommended is to decrease the amount of sugar in the ADHD diet. Eating simple processed carbohydrates, like white bread, waffles, or white rice, is almost the same as feeding your son sugar. They can make you irritable, stressed, and unfocused. Breakfasts and lunches high in protein, complex carbs, and fibre instead will increase concentration and better behavior.
Drink plenty of water.
Teenage boys don’t drink enough water. To lessen symptoms of ADHD, drink more water. It sounds simple and it is. And yet, many of our boys forget to do this simple task each day, leading to reduced levels of attention and impaired cognition. Numerous studies show that even mild dehydration impairs cognition. Challenge your son to drink a minimum of eight cups of water, spaced out every few hours throughout the day. Particularly as the weather heats up, learning support officers are reminding boys about the importance of filling their drink bottles at recess and lunch.
Get Plenty of Omega-3s.
Research shows that Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, can improve hyperactivity, impulsivity, and concentration.
Maintain iron levels.
Many people are unaware of the important role iron plays in controlling ADHD symptoms. (Because too much iron is dangerous, have your pediatrician test ferritin levels before giving iron).
Check magnesium and zinc levels.
These minerals are essential to normal health and may play an important role in controlling ADHD symptoms. Many children, with and without ADHD, don’t get enough of them. Zinc regulates the neurotransmitter dopamine and magnesium is also used to make neurotransmitters and has a calming effect on the brain. Consider having your doctor test your child’s mineral levels.
Cut back on chemicals.
Several studies suggest that artificial additives make kids without ADHD more hyperactive and make hyperactive children worse. Fresh unprocessed foods are your best bet. Avoid colorful cereals, and substitute 100-percent fruit juice for soft drinks.
Breakfast ideas from 8 Berg 1 – getting your protein.
- Spread peanut butter on apple slices, a halved banana, or celery sticks
- Fill a breakfast brown roll with scrambled eggs, black beans, and cheese
- Spread toasted, whole-grain muffins or toast with natural peanut butter. Add a dab of all-fruit jam and ricotta
- Swirl crushed fruit or all-fruit jam into plain yogurt and top with dry, whole-grain granola or chopped nuts
- Fill an omelette with chopped ham, cheese, spinach and herbs.
- Eggs and bacon
- Blueberry or banana protein smoothies
- Porridge is always a good cold weather option.
Natural Remedies for ADHD Without Medication: Nutrition, Supplements, Sleep
The Best ADHD Diet for Kids and Adults: Healthy Foods for ADD
Amanda Metua
Head of Diverse Learning