Deputy Head of College News

Social Media

As we continue to navigate a world where social media is constantly evolving, it can be difficult to keep up with the many and varied platforms our children have access to. In fact, I would argue that our digital natives also struggle with the platforms available to them.  Which platforms are the “coolest” platforms?  Which ones get them the most likes/views/shares?  Which ones allow them to experiment with their online persona/s? Which ones can they use that suit the different components of their lives – parents / siblings / friends / friends they are yet to make? 

If you are struggling to keep up, you are not alone; however, there are some signs to look out for that may be cause for concern.  First and foremost is whether your son will “allow” you to friend him on his varied social media platforms.  Being friends doesn’t mean that you have to like or comment on every post, but you should be able to see what your child is up to.  If he doesn’t want you to be friends, then a regular check through should not be out of the question.  Obviously, the amount of checking in should depend on your son’s age. If a boy in Years 5-8 is adamant that you cannot see his social media, then I would be worried.  (A good test, if you are worried, is to see if he would be happy for a different – dare I say, cooler – adult to be on his social media platforms instead of you.)  From Year 8 and above, there would be aspects of social media that your son may not want you to see.  This could be based on his own behaviours and interactions, but could also be based on the behaviours and interactions of his friends.

Although it is normal for our children to start developing independence from the adults in their life, it doesn’t hurt for them to know that if they are using technology and software that is paid for and provided by us as adults, then part of that agreement is that the adults still have some say over what it is we are paying for. Should your son have taken the responsibility of paying for his own phone, congratulations and condolences, as this becomes more difficult.  Perhaps the oft-shared Spiderman quote, “With great power, comes great responsibility”, is the best conversation point for you and your son in this particular situation. This quote may help to reinforce the notion that greater independence also means taking greater personal responsibility for decisions and behaviours.  

As part of the MCA ICT agreement, we remind our students that they are not to access any social media accounts using their College email address.  This address is to be used solely for school-based activities and applications. Any social media presence should be accessed via a student’s personal email address.  This then extends to a student’s choice of posts on their personal social media applications.  At no point should they be posting pictures or videos of themselves in uniform or on College grounds, they should also refrain from posting details about where they go to school.  These are important protective factors that help keep our children safe while online. Please have a conversation with your son about what email they use on any social media platforms they access. Even if it isn’t their school address, you may need to have a conversation about their choice of personal email address.  Is this an address you will want future employers (who now consistently do social media searches when hiring young people) to see?  It is an address that you want future romantic partners, and/or their parents to see?  Is that an address you want your aunties and uncles to see?

The joy of being on social media can quickly become something many people find very difficult to manage.  What starts as a pastime can rapidly turn into something that is all consuming. Should you be worried about your son’s social media use (including whether he can live without being connected to his phone or computer), please feel free to have a chat with his Head of House, or one of our counsellors.  You may also want to explore the MCA SchoolTV site where you will find more information on young people and social media that I hope will help you navigate this area more confidently:  https://marash.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/social-media-and-digital-reputation