Deputy Principal, Wellbeing 

How to deal with disturbing content online: 

I have heard a lot about the new Netflix series ‘Squid Game’ in the media, though social media and through discussions with children and parents across both campuses at school.  I must admit I haven’t watched the series, however, there are plenty of warnings from professionally trained experts who suggest that the M15+ rating for the show is well and truly underrated. There have been reports in the media of children re-enacting scenes from the series in the schoolyard, and also many videos on social media platforms such as Tik Tok and through games and videos on Roblox and YouTube. It is important to have conversations with our children about what is developmentally appropriate for them to be viewing, be that ‘Squid Game’ or other disturbing content online. 

Click here to review a checklist from Reach Out – it contains some important reminders about the digital world our young people encounter every day and ways to support them with navigating this tricky world.  I’m not suggesting you have to watch ‘Squid Game’ with your young people, we still need to endorse the ratings for shows, however, being informed and aware of the issues and content can be a powerful starting point for discussions to be had at home. A review of ‘Squid Game’ with further information can be found at: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/squid-game

Kate Couchman

Deputy Principal Wellbeing