Managing Youth Screen Time and AI: Concerns and Practical Approaches

In a world where digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are rapidly evolving, concerns around excessive screen time and AI use among young people continue to grow. Recent findings, as highlighted in a report by the ABC (Concerns youth screen time and AI use far exceed guidance as experts propose rethink to school bans (accessed 16.10.2024)), reveal that children are engaging with technology much earlier and are using it more intensively than ever before, with many experts suggesting this far exceeds recommended guidelines. This may result in students struggling to maintain their studies and may also present as a range of psychological, physical and wellbeing concerns.

Data from the eSafety Commissioner also shows that a majority of Australian children are online before the age of four. As children grow, screen time tends to increase, with students sometimes waking up early just to engage in activities like maintaining social media streaks. This excessive use, combined with the rise of AI, has led to challenges in the classroom and at home. Studies have also revealed that some students are using AI to assist with schoolwork, which raises concerns about plagiarism and the overall educational impact.

It is now imperative that parents and teachers to be able to maintain a balanced use of technology and to be able to identify the difference between the benefits and potential harms of extensive use of digital technologies.

Experts agree that screen time guidelines should focus not only on time spent but also on the quality of online activities. While AI offers opportunities for learning support, there are growing concerns about its misuse, especially in education.

Experts, like eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, advise that rather than imposing strict screen time limits, we should work with our children to create balanced online and offline routines. This involves ensuring that their digital activities don’t interfere with crucial aspects like sleep, physical exercise, and face-to-face interactions.

Additionally, we can set an example by moderating our own use of devices, especially during family time. By fostering open communication and encouraging responsible technology use, we can guide our children in developing healthy digital habits that will benefit them in the long term.

The use of Artificial Intelligence in education is rapidly evolving, providing opportunities to enhance learning, teaching, and assessment. Oxley Christian College has installed an Acceptable Use Policy for the Use of AI that is designed to help guide students and teachers in the proper and responsible use of AI technologies in curriculum and in the classroom. The policy introduces clear guidelines are informed by the principles of academic integrity, responsible practice, and transparency.

This policy also outlines the acceptable use of AI for both teachers and students in the Senior School and will include provisions for curriculum development, plagiarism, and student disclosure, the details of which will be outlined in the 2025 Student Diary.

Tips for Students Preparing for Exams

As we approach the Year 9, 10, and 11 exams (and the VCAA exams for students studying a Unit 3 subject), it’s important to recognise that this is more than just a test of knowledge – it’s an opportunity to consolidate and reflect on the learning and skills developed over the year.

Exams provide an opportunity to not only review key content from this term but also revisit the skills built during Semester 1 in many subjects. Whether it’s problem-solving in Maths, critical thinking in English, or scientific reasoning in Science, these assessments are designed to help students measure their progress and highlight areas for growth.

Here are some key tips for exam preparation:

Create a Study Plan: Organise your time effectively by scheduling dedicated study sessions for each subject.
Review Class Notes and Assessments: Focus on the feedback you received on past assignments and tests to understand areas for improvement.
Practise Past Papers: Familiarise yourself with exam formats by working through past papers or sample questions.
Balance Study and Breaks: Remember to take regular breaks to keep your mind fresh and focused.
Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to ask teachers for clarification on any concepts of which you are unsure.

By preparing well and approaching your exams with focus and confidence, students will be setting a solid foundation for success both now and in the years to come.

Recent Term 4 Events

Year 12 Final Chapel Service – Tuesday 15 October

Our Year 12 students led their final Chapel service last week, providing a memorable and entertaining send-off for our most senior cohort. Through heartfelt skits, personal reflections, and engaging presentations, the service was a fitting farewell. Staff and students were left both inspired and a little emotional, knowing that while we are excited for the new chapters ahead for these students, they will be dearly missed. We pray blessings over them as they prepare for their final exams.

Year 12 Valedictory Dinner – Friday 18 October

The Valedictory Dinner held at the beautiful Bramleigh Estate in Warrandyte, was a celebration of the achievements of our Year 12 students and marked their transition into life beyond school. This formal evening was filled with speeches, awards, and reflections on their time at the College. We enjoyed a special night with students, their families, and staff.

Year 12 Final Assembly – Monday 21 October

The Year 12 Final Assembly took place on Monday this week. Year 12 parents were invited to join us for this milestone occasion, where we reflected on the journey of our graduating class. The special assembly was followed by a sumptuous morning tea.

Year 12 Final Day – Tuesday 22 October

The Year 12 students officially marked their last day on Tuesday with a range of celebratory activities on campus. Around the theme of Hit Rewind, students and Senior teachers dressed the part to celebrate, including a concert held at LMC attended by both Junior and Senior school students, inter House sporting activities, amusement rides and a sensational sausage sizzle.

Click here for a photo gallery of Year 12 Final Events.

Upcoming Term 4 Events

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, we are excited to share a series of key events that will close out what has been a busy and successful semester. The 2024 school year has truly been a wonderful one here at the Senior School, filled with growth, achievement, and countless memorable moments. We are proud of everything our students have accomplished and excited about the positive changes in store for the new year.

But before we look ahead, there are still many exciting end-of-year events to enjoy. We look forward to celebrating these moments with our school community as we wrap up another successful year. Please take note of the details outlined below for each upcoming event. We encourage you to mark these important dates in your calendars and stay up-to-date via the Oxley App for further information.

Unit 4 Exams (Year 12 Exams) – Commencing Tuesday 29 October

Year 12 students will begin their final Unit 4 exams next Tuesday 29 October. This is the culmination of their hard work and dedication, and we know they will make the College proud. We encourage students to maintain focus during this period, and we will continue to support them in their studies. Year 12 students will be expected to wear their full Summer school uniform if they opt to study on College grounds as they prepare for their exams.

Year 10 Job Search Afternoon – Wednesday 30 October

On Wednesday 30 October, Year 10 students will participate in a Job Search Program aimed at equipping them with practical skills for employment. This program gives students the opportunity to experience a job interview and to practise how to prepare for interviews, present themselves, answer questions and ask questions in an interview format. Students will receive an evaluation outlining areas of strength, and how they might be able to improve their job interview techniques.

Year 7 Instrumental Concert – Thursday 7 November

Our talented Year 7 students will showcase their musical abilities at the annual Instrumental Concert on Thursday 7 November. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to demonstrate the skills they have developed throughout the year, and we look forward to enjoying an evening filled with music.

Year 10 Formal Dinner and Year 10 and 11 Study Day – Friday 8 November

The Year 10 Formal Dinner will take place on Friday 8 November at the Karralyka Centre in Ringwood East. This event is a highlight for our Year 10 students, offering them the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and enjoy a formal evening with their peers and teachers.

Please note, this is also a study day for Year 10 and 11 students, meaning it is a student-free day dedicated to at-home study and exam preparation.

Year 9, 10, and 11 Exams – Commencing Monday 11 November

Exams for Years 9, 10, and 11 will begin on Monday 11 November. Year 9 students will sit exams in Mathematics, English, and Science, with some subjects opting to run capstone tests in an exam format. These exams are an important part of the academic year, and we encourage all students to prepare thoroughly.

Head Start Program – Monday 18 to Thursday 28 November

The 2024 Head Start Program for current Year 7-11 students will run from Monday 18 to Thursday 28 November. During this time, students will begin their studies for the 2025 academic year, helping them gain an early understanding of next year’s content. Parents received a letter on 12 September with all the details, and we remind parents of current Year 10 and 11 students to contact Student Reception if their child is unable to attend the extended program days beyond 21 November.

Presentation Evening – Tuesday 3 December

Our annual Presentation Evening will be held on Tuesday 3 December at Robert Blackwood Hall. This evening is a time to reflect on the year’s achievements, give thanks for the blessings it has brought, formally farewell our Year 12 students, and acknowledge our Year 9s as they move from Middle Years to Senior Years. Further information will be sent to parents via the Oxley App in the coming weeks.

Last Day of the 2024 Academic Year – Wednesday 4 December

The final day of the academic year will be Wednesday 4 December. Senior School students will be dismissed at 1.00pm. A letter with more details regarding the day and the final assembly will be sent to parents soon.

Year 10 Fast-Track VCE Subject Applications

Year 10 students who have applied to fast-track a VCE subject are eagerly awaiting the results of their applications. Letters confirming which students have been accepted and detailing the available fast-track subjects will be sent out in the coming weeks. We thank you for your patience during this process.

Year 7, 8 and 9 End of Year Activity Day – Thursday 29 November

Middle Years students will participate in a range of off campus end-of-year activity outings as part of the 2024 Head Start program. Details for each outing will be posted to parents via the College App as the scheduled date approaches.

Year 7 Activity Day: Gumbya World, Tynong North
Year 8 Excursion Day: UrbnSurf, Essendon
Year 9 Outing: Year 10 Aqua Camp Swim Testing, Mornington Peninsula

If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the College. We look forward to celebrating the many accomplishments of our students in the coming weeks.

James Avram

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School

Year 12 Final Events

Photo Gallery

Final Chapel

Final Assembly

Final Day