Student Wellbeing

The Wellbeing Team: Felicity Brown, Isabella Farrar, Louise Rogers, Suzanne Tonks

RISE Program Guest Speakers

Some of our Year 9 boys recently had an exciting opportunity through the RISE program, welcoming former NBL player Dane Pineau and current Melbourne United athlete Finn Delaney to Sandringham College.

The players spoke openly about mindset, perseverance, and the realities of maintaining positive mental health as an athlete, sharing valuable insights from their professional journeys. Students were able to ask questions, reflect on their own goals, and even join Dane and Finn on the court for a fun and energetic basketball session.

It was an inspiring afternoon that encouraged our students to push through challenges, support their wellbeing, and stay committed to their personal growth.

Supporting Children to Disconnect From Social Media: What Parents Can Do

As many families will be aware, the Australian Government has passed new social-media age-restriction laws that will begin rolling out over the next year. These changes aim to create safer online environments for young people and reduce exposure to harmful content.

While legislation plays an important part, the most significant support still comes from home. Many children rely on parents and carers to help them build healthy digital habits, manage screen time, and feel confident navigating both online and offline relationships.

Below are some practical ways you can support your child as they adjust to these changes — and direct links to excellent resources you can explore:

1. Talk Early and Often

Open and ongoing conversations are the most effective way to support young people.

Ask your child how they use social media and how it makes them feel.
Explore what they enjoy, what worries them, and how they stay safe online.
Frame the conversation around health, balance, and wellbeing, rather than punishment.

2. Make a Family Media Agreement

Having consistent expectations at home helps children feel secure. Consider:

Setting agreed “screen-free times” (before school, during homework, dinner, bedtime).
Keeping devices out of bedrooms overnight.
Creating shared guidelines about privacy, posting, and online behaviour. A simple, clear visual schedule works especially well for younger children and those with additional needs.

3. Model Healthy Digital Habits

Children learn most from the adults around them.

Show your child what balanced screen use looks like.
Put devices away during meals and family time.
Talk out loud about your own choices: “I’m putting my phone away now so I can focus on you”. Small modelling moments make a big difference.

4. Encourage Offline Activities and Social Connections

As some online platforms become restricted for under-16s, young people may feel unsure about how to stay connected. Parents can help by:

Encouraging face-to-face friendships, clubs and activities.
Supporting outdoor time, hobbies, and physical movement after school.
Helping children identify at least three non-screen activities they genuinely enjoy. This is especially important for children with anxiety, autism or ADHD, who may rely on online spaces for comfort or social interaction.

5. Use Tools That Support Healthy Boundaries

Many devices allow parents to set limits and build gradual independence. Options include:

Time-based app limits
Content filters
“Downtime” or “Focus” periods
Locking apps overnight

Using these tools with your child, rather than to your child, promotes trust and shared responsibility.

6. Support Emotional Regulation

For some children, disconnecting from social media can be surprisingly difficult.

You can help by:

Naming feelings (“It looks like you’re frustrated, it’s time to switch off”).
Using calming strategies such as breathing, movement breaks or sensory tools.
Offering clear and predictable transitions (e.g., 5-minute warnings before logging off).

7. Stay Connected With the School

Our Wellbeing Team is here to help. If your child is feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling with online habits, please reach out. We can work together to support your child both at home and at school.

We will continue to share updates as the national policy changes are phased in, along with practical tips to help families navigate this transition confidently.

Helpful Resources for Parents & Families

Here are several high-quality, Australia-based resources you might find useful:

Social media is a big part of young people’s lives, and change can be challenging. With calm guidance, clear boundaries, and warm connection at home, children can learn to navigate the online world in healthy and balanced ways.

Promoting Positive Mental Health During the Holiday Period

Supporting our young people through rest, routine and connection

As we approach the holidays, many young people look forward to a well-earned break from schedules, homework, and early mornings. For others, this time of year can be unexpectedly challenging. The change in routine, reduced social contact, family pressures, and long unstructured days can contribute to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, or low mood.

The Wellbeing Team would like to share some simple ways families can support positive mental health over the break, as well as information on where to seek help if concerns arise.

Recognising Warning Signs

It’s normal for teens to need rest and downtime, but parents should keep an eye out for patterns such as:

Signs of anxiety

Avoiding social situations they previously enjoyed
Excessive worry, trouble relaxing or sleeping
Irritability, restlessness, or physical complaints (e.g., stomach aches)

Signs of withdrawal

Spending most of the day alone in their room
Loss of interest in hobbies or friends
Withdrawing from family interactions

Signs of low mood

Persistent sadness or tearfulness
Changes in appetite or sleep
Loss of motivation, energy or hopefulness
Comments suggesting hopelessness or feeling like a burden

If these behaviours continue for more than a couple of weeks or begin to interfere with daily functioning, it may be time to seek support.

How to Support Teens Who Find the Holidays Challenging

1. Keep Some Gentle Structure

Teens often benefit from routines—regular sleep times, getting dressed each morning, and a loose plan for each day. Predictability can reduce anxiety and improve mood.

2. Encourage Social Connection

Help them maintain a connection with friends through meet-ups, shared activities, or planned outings. Even one social activity per week can make a big difference.

3. Promote Calm, Comfort and Rest

Activities such as drawing, gaming in moderation, reading, sport, biking, baking, swimming, or listening to music provide healthy outlets for stress.

4. Create Space for Conversation

Check in gently. Avoid pressure or long interrogations. Try: “Things have changed a lot this term. How are you feeling about the break?” Let them talk at their own pace. Being heard is often the most helpful support.

5. Plan for the ‘Back to School’ Transition

Some students become anxious as school approaches. Preparing books/uniforms early, visiting school grounds, or discussing what they’re looking forward to can help ease worries in January.

When and How to Access Support

If you notice ongoing emotional changes, or if your teen expresses thoughts of wanting to harm themselves, it’s important to seek help promptly. Support is available throughout the holidays:

📞 Immediate Support / Crisis

Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7 for young people and parents)
Emergency Services: 000 (if there is immediate danger)
Local Emergency Mental Health Services:
- Alfred CAMHS: 1300 363 746 (24/7 triage line)
- Monash Psych Triage: 1300 369 012 (24/7 triage line)
- Peninsula Health Psych Triage: 1300 792 977 (24/7 triage line)

💬 Mental Health and Counselling Support

headspace:
- Online counselling via eHeadspace (7 days a week)
- Local Headspace centres offering youth mental health support
- www.headspace.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Parentline (Victoria): 13 22 89 (support for carers and parents)

🌱 If you’re unsure

If something feels “not quite right,” it’s okay to reach out for advice. Early support can prevent issues from escalating.

The holiday period can be a wonderful time for rest, recharging and connection. With gentle structure, open communication, and awareness of early warning signs, families can help young people feel safe, supported and ready for the new year.

The Wellbeing Team wishes all families a safe, restful and positive holiday break. If you need support at any time, please reach out.