From the Principal
Adolescence: The Challenges of Today’s Youth
Over the past three weeks, the Netflix series Adolescence has captured widespread attention across both traditional media and social platforms. This four-part drama follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, a schoolboy who is arrested for the murder of a classmate.
Each episode presents a raw and unsettling look at the challenges Jamie faces, delving into complex themes such as the gender divide, loneliness, and the profound effects of bullying amplified by social media. The series is designed to provoke reflection, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about adolescence in today’s world.
As I watched the series, I was reminded of the powerful insights shared by global presenter Yasmin London, who visited Loreto College Marryatville earlier this year to speak with both Junior and Senior School parents. Yasmin’s presentation about social media and technology use was refreshingly real, honest and practical. Yasmin reminded those present, and those who viewed the recorded presentation, that we all must take responsibility for how the young people in our care are using technology.
Recently, Yasmin also shared some insightful reflections on her LinkedIn account regarding the Adolescence series, which I would like to share with you here:
Everyone is watching Adolescence. It is an important and incredibly well delivered show by Netflix. While I of course understand the story narrative is all about Jamie, and understanding the impact of the algorithms and anti-feminist and misogynistic content on our boys, I can't help but come back to how unfair it is that women and girls become the forgotten victims of these crimes. As one of the detectives mentions in the show, Jamie’s name is etched in history because of his crime. So much attention given to why, and what, or how the system or people around him failed him. Yet, his victim’s name is forgotten. Barely mentioned beyond episode 2.
Women and girls wear the lifelong consequences of these crimes. Whether through image based-abuse, ongoing impacts of trauma, violence, fear or damaged reputations. It’s not ok. This week I’ve concurrently watched the outcome of the case of Lilie James as well, another situation way too tragic and close to home. Let’s not forget who the real victims are here. One gender is not more important than the other, but when it comes to crimes like this, more is needed to help women. To support women. To believe women. To protect them. To stem the casual and direct causes in a society that tolerates (and in many ways seems to increasingly accept and encourage) so much it shouldn’t, which ultimately leads to devastating situations like this. Every one of us has the power to change and interrupt rhetoric like this in our lives when we decide to stop tolerating poor behaviour and attitudes toward women.
A key objective of our SEAD program is to equip young women with the knowledge and skills to build respectful relationships, use technology responsibly, and navigate and engage with social media in a positive and healthy way. These lessons are essential and must be revisited regularly, delivered in an age-appropriate manner, while ensuring our students feel safe, supported, and comfortable throughout the process. Achieving this goal is no easy task, but it is vital. It can only be accomplished through a strong partnership between the College and families. For our students to thrive, they must feel confident in coming to us when they face challenges, knowing they will be met with support and without judgment.
Join the Loreto College Board of Directors
Loreto College is seeking up to four new Board Directors as part of Board renewal and retirements. We welcome applications from experienced professionals with expertise in areas such as education, capital works, marketing and fundraising, legal and corporate governance, or finance. AICD credentials and strong governance experience are highly desirable.
For more details, please visitBoard Directors - Loreto College - VUCA
Kylie McCullah
Principal