Principals Report
We are very proud to announce the Glen Innes High School leadership team for 2026. Congratulations to our Captains, Lysie Newbury and Will Lynn, Vice Captains, Jayden McIntyre and Azalea Singh, and Prefects, Suzie Lockwood and Hazel Murray. These students will lead the way in modelling respect, responsibility, and inclusiveness across our school community. Leadership is not just about wearing a badge, but about setting the standard, supporting others, and helping to shape a culture where every student feels safe, valued, and able to succeed. We look forward to the positive contributions they will make as our school moves forward.
Recently, all year groups participated in the Bullying Zero program. This important initiative raised awareness about the different forms of bullying—including physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying—and empowered students to take a stand against it. Students engaged thoughtfully with the material, exploring practical strategies to support their peers and promote kindness, inclusion, and respect. The discussions also reinforced the vital role that every student plays in creating a safe environment. With our new student leaders stepping into their roles, we are confident they will help drive these messages of respect and responsibility across the school.
In addition to the student sessions, we were delighted to host a parent information evening focused on cyberbullying. It was wonderful to see parents attend and contribute to this important conversation. The session provided practical advice on how families can identify signs of cyberbullying, support their children if they experience or witness it, and encourage positive digital citizenship. With technology and social media playing such a significant role in young people’s lives, this session was a timely reminder of the challenges students face online, and the critical role parents have in guiding respectful and responsible behaviour.
Families are also reminded of the Australian Government’s new Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, which was passed on 28 November 2024. This law introduces a mandatory minimum age of 16 for accounts on certain social media platforms and will take effect by December 2025. Importantly, parents will not be able to provide consent for under-16s to use these platforms. The Government says the ban is needed to protect the mental health and wellbeing of children and teenagers, as the risks of social media—including cyberbullying, harmful content, and online predators—are considered to outweigh the positives.
The specific platforms the ban will apply to are still being finalised, but the current proposals include YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit. Tech companies that own these platforms will be required to take “reasonable steps” to enforce the age restriction and could face fines of up to $50 million if they fail to comply. Apps such as Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, Kids Helpline, Google Classroom, and YouTube Kids are expected to remain accessible. We encourage all families to review how their children are using social media and technology. It’s never too late to have
meaningful conversations about respectful online behaviour and responsible technology use to help keep our students safe.
To further strengthen our commitment to student wellbeing, Glen Innes High School is currently updating its bullying policy. These updates will ensure our approach reflects new legal requirements and the latest best practice in bullying prevention and response. By doing so, we reinforce our dedication to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every student.
As the Bullying Zero program reminds us: “Welcome to our world – a world free from bullying.” At Glen Innes High School, we believe this vision can become a reality when we work together as a community. By showing kindness, promoting inclusion, and standing up for one another, we can continue to build a school where every student feels valued, safe, and supported.
Social Media Ban – Quick Guide for Families
What is the ban?
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 introduces a mandatory minimum age of 16 for accounts on certain social media platforms. It was passed on 28 November 2024 and will take effect by December 2025. Parents cannot give consent for under-16s to use these platforms.
· Why is it happening? The Government says the ban is needed to protect children’s mental health and wellbeing. They believe the risks—such as cyberbullying, harmful content, and online predators—outweigh the positives of social media use at younger ages.
Which platforms will it cover?
The ban is expected to apply to YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit. Tech companies will need to take “reasonable steps” to enforce the ban and may face fines of up to $50 million if they don’t.
· Which apps are not included? Apps such as Messenger Kids, WhatsApp, Kids Helpline, Google Classroom, and YouTube Kids are expected to remain available.
Mrs Natalie Hill
Relieving Principal