Important Update: New Minimum Age for Social Media Access

We would like to inform you about a significant new policy introduced by the Albanese Government, which aims to enhance the safety and well-being of our children online. The government has announced that it will legislate a minimum age of 16 for access to social media platforms.

Key Points of the New Legislation:

Minimum Age Requirement: The new law will set the minimum age for social media access at 16 years old. This decision follows extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including young people, parents, academics, and child development experts.

Implementation Timeline: The legislation is expected to be introduced in the next Parliamentary sitting and will come into effect after a 12-month grace period, allowing social media platforms time to comply with the new regulations.

Scope of the Ban: The ban will apply to all major social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, and others. It may also extend to certain gaming and chat platforms.

Why This Change?

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised that this move is aimed at protecting young Australians from the potential harms of social media, including exposure to inappropriate content and the impact on mental health. By setting a minimum age, the government hopes to ensure that children can enjoy a safer and more positive online experience.

We encourage parents to discuss this new policy with their children and help them understand the reasons behind it.

For more information on this new policy, please visit the official announcement here.

As the government moves to restrict use of social media for different age groups, there is an article in the latest Next Generation. The article Should parents be worried about social media?, five experts present their views to the question.

There is no doubt that young people get information from social media, some of it is helpful and some is not.

Read more by going to the link:

https://www.generationnext.com.au/2024/11/should-parents-be-worried-about-social-media-we-asked-5-experts/.

There are different views presented by the experts. One thing that stands out in reading the article is that as adults we need to assist young people navigate the range of options that are available to them.

Breast Cancer Awareness Day

On Friday 25 October, the school united to raise awareness for breast cancer and show support for those affected by this disease. The school was a sea of pink as staff and students dressed in vibrant outfits, promoting a strong sense of solidarity.

During lunchtime, a special event was held, featuring a variety of engaging activities. Students enjoyed face painting, temporary tattoos, and received bracelets and ribbons. Garden games added to the fun, and everyone was treated to free donuts.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our community, we raised over $600 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This achievement is a testament to our collective dedication and compassion.

Thank you to everyone who participated, contributed, and supported this important cause.

Onkaparinga Citizenship Ceremony

Earlier this year, Deb Coad was honoured with the Youth Worker of the Year Award. As part of this recognition, she was invited to be the guest speaker at the Onkaparinga Citizenship Ceremony held at the Port Noarlunga Arts Centre. The event was a significant occasion, welcoming over 50 new citizens from 17 different countries to Australia.

Deb delivered a fantastic speech that resonated well with both the audience and the dignitaries present. Her words highlighted the importance of community and the role of youth workers in fostering a supportive environment for all.

The ceremony was graced by several notable figures, including Mayor Moira Were, Katrine Hildyard (MP for Reynell) - Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Family and Sexual Violence, Minister for Sport and Racing, and Chief Executive Officer Phu Nguyen. Their presence underscored the importance of the event and the value placed on welcoming new citizens into the community.

Deb’s participation in the ceremony was a poignant reminder of the privilege of living in Australia and the outstanding contributions of youth workers in schools. Their dedication and hard work continue to make a positive impact on the lives of many students.

Chalk About Mental Health Event

On Tuesday, 29 October, the Girls Power group hosted an incredible event – Chalk About Mental Health.

Students gathered near the languages block to spread positive messages and promote mental health awareness by decorating the school grounds with inspiring chalk art.

From uplifting words to creative designs, they filled the area with reminders about the importance of wellbeing and supporting each other.

This event was a way for our students to come together, start meaningful conversations, and raise awareness around mental health in a colourful, engaging way. A big thank you to everyone involved.

Learning 4 Life Class Visits Resthaven

On Thursday, 31 October our Learning 4 Life class visited Resthaven to deliver the Design Thinking gifts our students had thoughtfully created for the residents, who served as their clients throughout this project.

It was a truly heart-warming experience as students and residents bonded, sharing stories, smiles, and, of course, these unique gifts crafted with care and creativity.

The residents were delighted, and it was clear that our students gained so much from the experience – not just in skills, also in connection and compassion.

Thank you to Resthaven for welcoming us and to everyone involved for making this project so meaningful.

Wellbeing for Learning: Sausage Sizzle Success

On Friday 15 November as part of our giving back focus in Wellbeing for Learning this term 4, the 11IG1 Care Group organised a sausage sizzle fundraiser.

The event aimed to raise money for Catherine House, an organisation dedicated to supporting women and children affected by domestic and family violence.

The school community came together in a show of support, making the event a resounding success.

Thanks to everyone's generosity and enthusiasm, we were able to raise over $400 for this important cause.

Thank you to the 11IG1 Care Group and everyone who planned and supported the BBQ.

Latest School TV Article - Confidence & Motivation

Building confidence and motivation in young people is essential for their overall wellbeing and is a key aspect of their development. These qualities can have a lasting impact on their success and happiness. Confidence helps children believe in their abilities and face challenges with a positive attitude, while motivation drives their desire to learn, explore, and achieve their goals.

Fostering these traits involves creating an environment that encourages children to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and celebrate their achievements.

Confidence is built when children feel capable and valued, while motivation is fueled by the belief that their efforts will lead to growth and success. By actively supporting both, we can help young people thrive in the academic, social, and personal areas of their life.

By offering positive reinforcement, setting realistic expectations, and celebrating their efforts, we can model a positive mindset that can go a long way in helping young people develop both confidence and motivation. Nurturing these qualities, will help them grow into self-assured individuals who believe in their ability to succeed, setting the foundation for a fulfilling future.

In this edition of SchoolTV, discover how to provide opportunities for autonomy and support your child in persevering through challenges.

Here is the link to this edition - https://aphs.sa.schooltv.me/newsletter/confidence-motivation-au

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