Wellbeing

Leesa Ross- Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader R.P.S 

 If you would like to chat, have concerns about your child/ren or would like some support for yourself or family, do not hesitate to contact me at school via phone or email – leesa.ross@education.vic.gov.au

eSafety Parent & Carer Webinars:

The following extract has been taken from the following link: https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions

Social media age restrictions

The Australian Government is protecting young Australians at a critical stage of their development, through world-first social media age restrictions.

From 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account.

 The restrictions aim to protect young Australians from pressures and risks that users can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts. These come from design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens, while also serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeing.

While no formal assessments have been made, the age restrictions are likely to apply to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, among other platforms.

 More generally, age restrictions will apply to social media platforms that meet three specific conditions, unless they are excluded based on criteria set in out in legislative rules made by the Minister for Communications in July 2025.

The conditions for age restriction are:

• the sole purpose, or a significant purpose, of the service is to enable online social interaction between two or more end-users
• the service allows end-users to link to, or interact with, some or all of the other end-users
• the service allows end-users to post material on the service.

Online gaming and standalone messaging apps are among a number of types of services that have been excluded under the legislative rules. However, messaging services that have social-media style features which allow users to interact in other ways apart from messaging may be included in the age restrictions, as well as messaging features accessed through age-restricted social media accounts.

Find out the facts about the social media 'ban' or delay

It’s not a ban, it’s a delay to having accounts. 

This means there will be no penalties for under-16s who access an age-restricted social media platform, or for their parents or carers. However, age-restricted social media platforms may face penalties if they don’t take reasonable steps to prevent under-16s from having accounts.

Details about how the age restrictions will operate and other relevant information will be developed throughout 2025. We will provide answers to frequently asked questions on our FAQ page and throughout the eSafety website. The information will help Australians – including under-16s, parents, carers and educators – understand and prepare for the change. "

Parents and carers

The 30-minute webinar will help parents and carers understand the upcoming changes to social media access for children under 16.

Join our information session to:

• understand the purpose of the new age restrictions and how they aim to protect young Australians
• understand which platforms will require users to be 16+ and what platforms they can still access
• get tips and resources to support your child’s online safety and wellbeing through the transition.

 Parents and carers will gain:

• a clear understanding of the new rules and their implications
• confidence in guiding their child through these changes
• access to trusted resources to support safe and positive online engagement.

Tuesday 2 December, 7:00pm (AEDT)

https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5703585078334911582

Monday 8 December, 3:30pm (AEDT)

https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5703585078334911582

Monday 15 December, 1:00pm(AEDT)

https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5703585078334911582

https://www.familyconnect.org.au

Family Connect is a great free online resource for families. Family Connect sets children up for success and good mental health.

The website allows you to practice the skills through having meaningful conversations with your family. Each new conversation introduces new skills and techniques that build upon each other, covering the following areas- 

• Listening Skills
• Appreciations Skills
• Emotional Skills
• Self-Responsibility

https://www.familyconnect.org.au

International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3

On December 3, our school joins communities around the world in marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day celebrates the strengths, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities, while reminding us of the importance of building a community where everyone feels included, supported, and represented.

At school, we are committed to creating a learning environment that welcomes all learners. This means promoting kindness, understanding different needs, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Families can join us in this effort by encouraging conversations at home about inclusion, empathy, and the value of embracing differences.

Together, we can help every child feel seen, respected, and empowered.