Parent Wellbeing

Get Your Teen Off Their Screens and Into Life

Alright, Don’t let your kid spend all their holidays glued to social media… Let’s talk about the screen-time saga with our teens. We've all been there, right? Watching them glued to their phones or laptops, and hey, guilty as charged, we're not exactly screen-free ourselves. But let’s be real, it's all about finding that sweet balance. So, here are some down-to-earth tips to help our teenagers hit pause on the screens and dive into life a bit more.

Tips to Try at Home:

So, your teen might as well have their phone glued to their hand, but let's not panic. Screen time isn’t evil if it’s mixed up with other stuff like reading, hanging out with friends, or getting active. Here are some easy-peasy ways to get them to unplug now and then:

Find Offline Fun: Your kid might be hooked to online life, but they probably have interests beyond TikTok or Instagram. Show interest in what they dig online and see if you can find similar activities offline. Maybe there’s a gaming group at school or a cool reading club they can join.
Tech-Free Zones: Let’s set some boundaries, folks. No phones at dinner and definitely not in the bedroom at night. Also, let's switch off the TV when it’s not being watched. Less distraction, more connection.
Give Good Reasons: Remind them why it’s cool to take breaks from screens. Like, spending quality time with family or getting a decent night's sleep without scrolling till 2 a.m.
Screen Time Limits: When it’s homework time, let's keep it real. No Snapchat or gaming until the work's done. It helps them focus and cuts down on procrastination.

More Ideas to Keep it Real:

If you’re sweating over getting your kid to balance screens and life, check these out:

Sporty Stuff: Team sports rock! They learn teamwork, make friends, and have a blast. Or, if solo’s more their vibe, try martial arts, swimming, or running.
Fitness Freak: Some kids dig sweating it out solo. There are loads of cool apps and cheap gym classes for beginners. Plus, outdoor gyms are a thing!
Active Gaming: Not all gaming is sitting around. Get them hooked on active apps or games that get them moving, like Pokémon GO or Just Dance.
Get Creative: Painting, photography, crafting – let them explore their artsy side. It’s a rad way to unwind and express themselves.
Music Mania: Encourage them to join a band or choir. Music’s not just fun; it’s a killer way to make friends and express themselves.
DIY Fun: Get hands-on with some home improvement projects. It’s a cool way to learn new skills and bond as a fam.
Local Adventures: Explore your community's cultural scene. Museums, festivals, or art galleries – there’s always something cool happening.
Volunteer Vibes: Let them give back to the community. Volunteering is not only rewarding; it’s a chance to meet awesome people.
Reminisce: Remember stuff they used to love when they were little? Try reviving those interests or finding similar ones.
Family Time, Unplugged: Instead of Netflix, try outdoor adventures or old-school games. You might be surprised how fun it can be.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s Help:

Car Pool: Share the driving duties with other parents. It’s a win-win!
Budget Buys: Hunt for bargains on sports gear or DIY stuff. eBay and thrift shops are goldmines.
Lead by Example: Show them you’re not glued to screens 24/7 either. Let’s tackle this screen-time thing together, fam.

So, there you have it, folks! Let’s help our teens strike that balance between screen time and real-life adventures. It’s all about keeping it chill and making memories that don’t just live on Instagram.

Holiday Activities

See 'Student Wellbeing' page for a list of various fun holiday activities!

Parent Support Services

Parentline: 13 22 89

If you would like further ongoing support, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your family General Practitioner (G.P.) where you can discuss the concerns that you may behaving. The G.P. will then be able to make the appropriate referral for ongoing support as required.

Student Wellbeing Team

Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au

Ashleigh Bibby - Leader of Wellbeing

Guiseppe Relia – Wellbeing Counsellor

Talea-Jane Simpson – Wellbeing Counsellor

Sanela Avdic - Wellbeing Counsellor

Lea Marrison - Mental Health Practitioner

Tajinder Wulff - Mental Health Practitioner