Student Wellbeing

Is your teen feeling the pressure?

In today’s digital world, social media is nearly impossible to avoid—especially for teens. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) are where many of us stay connected, find trends, and express ourselves. But behind the filters and followers, there’s often unseen pressure that can take a toll on mental health.

Many students feel the need to keep up a “perfect” online image. Whether it's getting enough likes, posting at the right time, or comparing your life to someone else’s highlight reel, social media can sometimes create unrealistic expectations.

Constant notifications and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can make it hard to unplug. This can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, and even lower self-esteem. The pressure to respond quickly to messages or be active online can blur the boundaries between personal time and social obligations.

Signs a Student Might Be Feeling Pressured:

Obsessively checking likes or comments
Comparing themselves to influencers or peers
Feeling anxious or left out after scrolling
Spending excessive time editing photos or curating posts
Struggling with self-esteem or body image

What Can Students Do?

Take breaks from screens and unplug regularly.
Set boundaries: It’s okay to say no to trends or online conversations.
Be real: Share authentic moments, not just highlight reels.
Talk to someone: A parent, teacher, or counselor can help.

What Can Parents Do?

Encourage open conversations about what students see and feel online.
Promote healthy screen habits and lead by example.
Remind students that online life isn’t always real life.

Social media isn’t all bad—it’s a powerful tool for creativity, connection, and learning. But it’s important for teens to take control of their online experience, rather than letting it control them.

Catholic Care Victoria (CCV)- Parent programs & workshops

Over the year, CCV run a wide-range of one-off parent programs, as well as lengthier workshops. The delivery is both online & face-to-face & addresses a range of range of useful topics. Some programs are free, however some attract a cost.

Each term they publish a calendar which will feature on the Parent’s Bulletin. In the past, a number of staff & families have participated in CCV programs & have spoken very highly of them. Please see the attached flyer as to what’s on offer in Term 2.

Register at: www.catholiccarevic.org.au/register

CCV also offer single session parent consultations which are available on weekdays, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Consultations are offered via phone, online via Zoom, or face-to-face. To book a single-session parent consultation, call the Bendigo office reception on (03) 5438 1300.

Wellness Hub Psychology

The Mental Health Foundation Australia’s Integrated Wellness Hub psychology clinic offers in-clinic and telehealth counselling services with provisional psychologists/counsellors at an affordable fee of $20 per 50-minute session. 

Appointments are available, enquire via website or contact us on 03 8825 3501 or email: wellness.hub@mhfa.org.au

Glasses for Kids Program

The Glasses for Kids Program will be visiting Charlton College on Tuesday 29th of July. The program offers all students from Foundation to Year 3 free vision screening, additional testing, and glasses (if needed) at no cost. Consent forms have been sent home with all Foundation to Year 3 students. Consent forms are due back to school by Thursday 20th of June. For any families who may have misplaced their form, additional copies are available from the front office. Please see the additional information attached to the back to the newsletter. If you have any further questions please contact Jess McGurk.

Breakfast Club

We are so fortunate to have Danielle running our Breakfast Club Program at Charlton College . Thank you Danielle from all the staff, students and families. Breakfast Club enables students to begin their day with full tummies ensuring they are at their best to learn. Studies completed by Foodbank (the Organisation would support schools with food!) reported that teacher’s observed the following of students who participated in the Breakfast Club Program:

an improvement in concentration
greater levels of engagement and focus for students who attend
improvements in student’s social skills
a positive impact on the academic outcomes of students who attended breakfast club.

Breakfast Club is available on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 8:30am. To ensure Breakfast Club is ready for students to acess famillies are reminded that students are not permitted on school grounds until 8:30am when supervision in the yard begins.

We would also like to acknowledge and thank the Charlton Bakery who very generiously donate bread to the Breakfast Club program each week. Thank you Paul and Kerry for your support!

Mental Health Matters!

Many people can hesitate to seek mental health support because they’re unsure what options are available or feel intimidated by the idea. Attached to the back of the newsletter is a brochure complied by the Inglewood and District Health Service who provide mental health support in the Buloke Shire.

Menal Health Services can help with;

Feeling low need to talk
Changes at work or home
Depression, anxiety, stress
Balancing family and work responsibilities
Concerns about your children or family members
Relationship and marital problems

The Inglewood and district Health Service are able to provide support to both children and adults at NO COST. The services are offered at the Charlton Hospital campus face to face, via telehealth or phone.

If you feel your child may need further support referrals can be made by contacting

Inglewood and Districts Health Service

3 Hospital Street, Inglewood, VIC 3517

Phone: (03) 5431 7000

Fax: (03) 5431 7004

Email: referrals@idhs.vic.gov.au

Monday - Friday: 8:30am-5pm

If you would like further support to access this service for your child/ren, please don’t hesitate to contact Jess McGurk or Tash Roberts at the College.