Wellbeing

Whittlesea World 

This week, our students got to 'trade in' their GOLDEN TICKETS at Whittlesea World. It was great seeing so many students meeting all school expectations every day, and we have even got another Principal for the Day - Congratulations to Rhyder Elkohodr of Yr 2. As a key component of our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS)  framework, acknowledging students showing the 'desired' behaviours has a far greater impact than focusing on those who exhibit 'undesirable' behaviours.   Positive is always better than 'punishment'. 

Keeping Childhood Safe and Age-Appropriate in the Digital Age 

In today's digital world, our children have more access to entertainment and media than ever before. From YouTube videos and video games to movies and TV shows, it's easy for young minds to stumble across content that may not be suitable for their age or stage of development. As a school community, we want to work together with families to ensure that children are exposed to media that supports their wellbeing, learning, and emotional development.

Why It Matters

Children are naturally curious, and media can have a strong influence on how they see the world, interact with others, and process emotions. Content that includes violence, strong language, scary themes, or mature topics can confuse or upset younger children. Even seemingly harmless videos or games can contain hidden messages, aggressive behaviour, or advertising for children.

We know it’s not always easy to keep track of everything your child watches or plays, especially with how fast technology changes. However, making mindful choices about media can significantly impact your child’s mental health, sleep, behaviour, and even academic progress.

A Great Resource: Common Sense Media. If you’re unsure whether a particular video, game, or movie suits your child, we recommend checking Common Sense Media. This website provides age-based ratings and detailed reviews written by experts and parents. It gives you a clear picture of the content, including themes, language, and any areas of concern, so you can make informed decisions as a family.

Top Tips for Families

• Set age-appropriate boundaries: Use parental controls where possible and check the age ratings before allowing access.
• Watch and play together: Whenever you can, co-view or co-play to understand better what your child is engaging with.
• Talk about it: Keep an open dialogue with your child about what they watch or play. Encourage questions and talk through anything that might worry them.
• Be a role model: Show healthy habits by choosing thoughtful, positive media and balancing screen time with other activities.

Let’s continue working together to ensure that our children enjoy a safe, healthy, and fun online and offline childhood.