Student Well-being
Christmas holidays, whilst a wonderful time of the year, also can bring moments of emotional turbulence for adults and children. For children, those usual routines, school supports, and daily connection with friends are not there. These changes can sometimes leave them feeling stressed or isolated. Below are some helpful ways to support your child’s wellbeing this break.
Build Social Connections
Strong social relationships are important for your child’s wellbeing. Spending time with friends helps to maintain and strengthen friendships.
Keep Bodies Moving
Regular movement supports both physical and mental health. Even simple activities like walking around the block can relieve stress, improve mood, and help children refocus.
Create Daily Structure
Good sleep, sensible bedtimes, balanced nutrition, and predictable routines help young people feel settled and energised. Returning to a school-friendly routine gradually will make going back to school easier.
Check In Often
Every few days, take time to ask your child/ren how they are feeling. Holidays don’t need to be packed with activities, rest and balance are what matter most.
Support Services
If you or anyone in your family unit feel the need to have a chat with someone, there is some fantastic support available.
Free, confidential counselling service is available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat.
Helplines
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Headspace 1800 650 890
As we reflect on the year gone by, let us embrace the warmth of togetherness and the hope of a brighter future ahead. Here's to new beginnings, growth, and the happiness that comes from cherished moments shared with those we hold dear.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and peaceful Christmas season filled with love and laughter. May the new year bring memorable opportunities and beautiful sunrises for all our SCC families.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Mrs Kerry Browne
Student Well-being Coordinator
Supporting Young People Through Australia’s New Social Media Age Restrictions
From 10 December 2025, major social media platforms in Australia will introduce a minimum age of 16 for account holders. This change is part of a national effort to create safer online environments and support the healthy development of young people.
Why the change?
Research continues to show that early exposure to social media can place pressure on children during an important stage of emotional, social and cognitive development. Risks such as online comparison, cyberbullying, exposure to adult content, and disrupted sleep can all influence a young person’s wellbeing.
The new age restrictions aim to give adolescents extra time to build the skills they need
emotional regulation
self-esteem,
and digital literacy—before entering high-pressure online spaces.
What this means for families
Children under 16 won’t be able to create new accounts on the major platforms, and existing accounts may be deactivated. However, young people will still be able to access many non-restricted online services, including messaging, gaming, and educational platforms.
This shift removes some of the burden from families around deciding “if” or “when” a child should access social media. Instead, it becomes a shared national framework of “not yet”—allowing children more time to grow confidently offline.
Supporting your child’s wellbeing during the transition
Some young people may feel disappointed, anxious, or concerned about missing out socially. Parents and carers can help by:
Acknowledging emotions and validating how challenging this shift may feel.
Keeping communication open, checking in and inviting conversations about friendship, identity, and online life.
Encouraging alternative connection, such as messaging apps, games with friends, clubs, sports or creative activities.
Focusing on routine and balance, including healthy sleep habits and tech-free times.
Reassuring them that everyone their age is navigating the same change, reducing fear of being left out.
A positive opportunity
This change offers a valuable moment for families to reset digital habits and nurture healthier patterns of online engagement. By approaching the transition with empathy and a wellbeing focus, we can help young people feel safe, supported and confident—both online and offline—now and as they grow into the digital world.
Remember..
This change isn’t about “punishing teens” or “banning the internet.” It’s about giving younger adolescents time to develop — socially, emotionally, and digitally — before they engage in platforms that can pose real risks. The aim is to create a safer, more considered digital environment.
Please visit the eSafety Commissioner website for more details.
As always, support is available within SCC’s Wellbeing Team. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
God bless,
Mrs Sarah George-Crljenko
College Psychologist