WELLBEING

SPECIAL REPORT - SCHOOLTV - SCREEN TIME

As a result of the global pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in the amount of time people spend on screen-based devices. Families are transitioning back to pre-COVID routines but many are still struggling to re-establish the boundaries and rules around screen use. Some continue to deal with digital conflict and tech-tantrums daily. The latest research found that 77% of teenagers spend more than five hours on screens per day, but it is important to note that not all screen time is considered equal.

Parents play a crucial role in modeling a positive and healthy approach to using screens and assisting children to navigate the content they watch. It is better to model and mentor screen use, rather than monitor it. Children tend to do more of what they see us do, and less of what we tell them to do. However, it is still important to outline the risks and highlight the benefits of screen use to ensure you keep a balanced attitude. Encourage discussions around the issues that people experience in monitoring their screen time and be honest about your own difficulties.

Parents need to remain firm in their approach to managing screen time. Excessive screen time can be detrimental to a child’s overall wellbeing. Ensuring the correct privacy settings are in place is vital to prevent children from being inadvertently exposed to inappropriate content or online predators. Parents need to also be mindful of the potential impact screen time can have on a child’s social, emotional, educational, behavioural, and even physical domains.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents and carers will be provided with a range of guidelines and strategies to help manage screen time at home. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact me via wellbeing@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to this month's edition 

https://mckinnonsc.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/managing-screen-time

Kind Regards 

Patty Etcell

Student Wellbeing Coordinator 

YOUNG CARERS SCHOLARSHIP 

Carers Victoria's Young Carers Scholarships give young carers attending secondary school the opportunity to be acknowledged for their contributions to their family and the community and to participate in school or community based activities that enhance their skills, educational achievement and abilities, or that help them to participate more fully in their community.

Scholarships of up to $500 are awarded to successful applicants.

Miruna Iser

Student Wellbeing Counsellor