Newsletter 2026
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Principal's Report

Shannon Ross 

Supporting Young People to Navigate Social Media Safely 

Many of you will have seen recent media coverage about the impact of social media on young people, including new Australian research into social media use and teen wellbeing. 

  

The study, led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, followed almost 1,200 Melbourne students over a number of years. It found that young people who spent more than two hours a day on social media were more likely to report poorer wellbeing, including increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. The research also highlighted that early adolescence can be a particularly sensitive time, especially for young people who are still developing the skills to manage peer feedback, comparison, exclusion and conflict online. 

  

As parents, I am sure that you have thought deeply about your child and their access to social media and technology in general. Both things can be both positive as well as bring significant challenges. For many young people it can be a place to connect, be creative, stay informed and feel part of something. However, we also know that it can contribute to sleep disruption, distraction, friendship issues, body image concerns, anxiety, exposure to harmful content and conflict that then carries into the school day. 

  

This is not about blaming young people or expecting parents to have all the answers. The online world has changed rapidly, and it can be difficult for all of us adults to keep up with new platforms, group chats, privacy settings and social pressures. Young people are so much more well connected and well informed in this space. So how can we best protect them? What matters most is that young people have adults around them who are informed, calm, curious and willing to keep the conversation going. 

  

Some useful discussion starters that families might use at home to start or continue the conversation about smart and safe social media use include: 

  • How does social media make you feel after you have been using it? 

  • Are there particular apps, accounts or group chats that leave you feeling worse? 

  • Do you feel pressure to respond straight away? 

  • Is your phone impacting your sleep, mood, concentration or relationships? 

  • What would you do if you saw something online that made you feel unsafe or uncomfortable? 

  • Who are the trusted adults you could go to for help? 

  

A few practical strategies that can help include keeping phones out of bedrooms overnight, setting agreed screen-free times, checking privacy settings together, encouraging breaks from group chats, and having regular conversations about respectful behaviour online. It is also helpful for young people to know that they can come to an adult for help without fear that the first response will be anger or punishment. 

  

For families wanting more information, the following resources may be useful: 

  

  

As a school, we will continue to support students to develop respectful relationships, seek help when needed, and understand the impact of their online choices.  

  

I encourage families to keep talking with young people about their digital usage and experiences, not as a one-off conversation, but as an ongoing part of supporting their wellbeing, safety and sense of belonging. 

  

We are now half way through the school year and I wanted to recognise everyone within the Woodmans Hill Secondary College community for what has been a successful Semester 1. I hope that everyone has some family time over the coming break and come back refreshed for a positive finish to the 2026 school year.  

  

Happy holidays.