Wellbeing Hub
Tech and The Brain
At our learning days last week we learnt about The Science of Learning with Dr. Jared Cooney Harvath. It was a fascinating insight into how we learn and how we can improve student learning by adapting some of the ways we teach.
BUT… most interesting when discussing brain development was the use of technology for learning. We often hear about the great benefits of technology and at times this may be true. However we also need to acknowledge the research that shows that use of technology (computers, phones and ipads/tablets) results in:
- Decreased relationships – which also links to depression
- Increased chronic stress
- Decreased learning
So what does this mean? Parental control over young people’s technology use is important. Knowing what your child is using, who they are talking to and what they are accessing helps to support your child with safe decision-making, creating positive friendships and developing social-emotional skills such as empathy.
For older children and teenagers, talking about technology use in your house, setting some clear boundaries and coming up with a user agreement can be helpful in maintaining these boundaries and consequences in the future.
Further Information and Support:
- Create your Family Media Plan https://www.healthychildren.org/English/media/Pages/default.aspx
- How to use parental controls to maximise online safety in your home https://esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice/taming-technology
- Best apps: Recommendations for families https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-lists
- Best websites: Recommendations for families
- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-lists Good apps, games, TV shows, movies and YouTube for children
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/play-media-technology/media/good-apps-games-movies[1]school-age
Mental Health & Wellbeing Resources
Kids Helpline or 1800 551 800
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile), confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Also has fact sheets and information about a range of topics for parents to support their children.
Access to trusted mental health and wellbeing information, online programs and digital resources.
Learn more about depression and anxiety or talk it through with our support service.
Phone: 1300 224 636 (24/7)
Email or chat online
A confidential, free and secure space where young people aged 12 to 25 or their family can chat, email or speak on the phone with a qualified youth mental health professional.
Phone: 1800 650 890 (9am – 1am everyday)
Access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services.
Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Raising Children Network- https://raisingchildren.net.au/
Provides ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts.