Principal's Page

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Week 8 - almost the end of Term 3. The year is flying. As we approach the end of the term I would like to give a big thank you to the staff who have worked so hard to make the school days interesting and engaging for all the students of Catherine McAuley. 

A gentle reminder that there are some special events organised for the end of term, the first being McAuley Day on September 25th. More information about the events of this day will be shared next week. On the 26th of September, the last day of the term, we will hold our book week dress up. A gentle reminder that no inflatable costumes are to be worn. 

Father's Day Celebrations

A belated Fathers' Day to all the fathers and grandfathers in our community. I hope you enjoyed the day. I hope you also enjoyed joining us for the celebration breakfast at school on Wednesday morning and the liturgy in the afternoon. Thank you to the PACE committee and champions who organised this event and for the generous donations we received to make this event so successful. 

School Attendance

In Australia, school attendance after a child has been enrolled in school is compulsory. It is not optional. 

Screen Addiction

Michael Grosse

In my years working with families, one of the biggest shifts I’ve seen is the ever-increasing pull of screens on kids.

It’s not just the content.

There’s a deeper neurological reason why they can’t put down their screens.

Blame it on a neurotransmitter called dopamine.

Understanding how dopamine works makes coaching kids about healthy and smart screen time use easier.

It Feels Fantastic!

Dopamine is the brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemical.

Laugh with a friend.

Bingo - you experience an instant pleasure hit of dopamine!

Traditionally, simple activities such as playing with friends or enjoying a tasty treat triggered the release of healthy dopamine for kids.

But today, kids get massive hits of dopamine from a far less wholesome source: their screens.

Every swipe, every like, every new video that pops up – it’s a shot of dopamine.

Social media feeds and endless streams of short-term videos are the worst offenders.

The unpredictability of what comes next keeps kids hooked, constantly chasing that next little hit.

It’s So Addictive!

The constant stimulation creates an addictive feedback loop.

Here’s the worst of it: Kids’ brains become wired to expect this instant gratification, making it harder to find satisfaction in less stimulating activities.

Yes, kids, we need to talk.

But first, here’s some background information for parents (family members, teachers and coaches).

Dopamine’s Ripple Effect: The Brain’s Balancing Act

It’s important to know that dopamine doesn't function independently.

Your brain is like a finely tuned orchestra, and when one instrument plays too loudly, it throws off the harmony.

When screens continually overstimulate dopamine, it triggers a ripple effect on other essential brain chemicals, such as:

The Happy Chemical - Serotonin

Serotonin is the brain's contentment chemical. While dopamine makes you feel excited and motivated to get something, serotonin helps you feel calm and happy with what you've got.

Excessive dopamine release can disrupt the serotonin system, making it harder for kids to feel content and peaceful. They might feel good while they're on the screen, but feel flat or irritable as soon as they put it down.

The Brake Pedal - GABA

Your brain has a natural "brake pedal" called GABA. Its job is to calm things down and prevent overstimulation.

A flood of dopamine can suppress the effects of GABA, making the brain feel overstimulated and "on edge." This leads to increased anxiety and make it difficult for kids to relax and fall asleep.

The Alarm System - Norepinephrine

Dopamine is also a building block for norepinephrine, a chemical that's part of the body's stress response. While a little bit is good for focus, a constant high level can make kids feel hyper-alert and stressed, as if they're always in a "fight-or-flight" state.

This chemical seesaw is why simply banning screens isn't enough.

Help kids understand why they feel such a strong urge to scroll.

Empowering them with knowledge about their brains gives them agency over their scrolling, rather than being at the mercy of their screens.

Holding Dopamine Conversations

Rather than simply telling your child that too much screentime is not healthy, demystify dopamine and explain its effects for kids. This will help them develop some agency over their screentime behaviour.

Here’s how you can talk to them in a way they’ll understand:

1. Keep it simple

Explain that dopamine is like a little messenger in their brain that makes them feel happy and excited.

Use analogies they can understand. For example, “Remember how good it feels when you score a goal in soccer? That’s dopamine at work!”

2. Connect dopamine to screens

Explain that screens are designed to give their brains lots of little hits of dopamine very quickly. “Every time you see something new or get a like on your video, your brain gets a little squirt of that happy chemical.”

3. Highlight the downside

Help them understand that relying too much on screens for dopamine can have negative effects. “If your brain gets used to getting all its happy feelings from screens, other fun things might not feel as exciting anymore. It can also make it hard to focus on things like homework or playing outside.”

4. Emphasise it's not their fault

Make sure they understand that this is how their brains are wired. It’s not a sign of weakness if they find it hard to stop scrolling. This can reduce feelings of guilt or shame.

Give them Healthy Dopamine Alternatives.

There are numerous other ways for kids to obtain a dose of dopamine that also foster valuable life skills and promote overall well-being.

Many of these they probably already enjoy, but they’re unaware of the pleasure hit they receive from them.

Here are a few ideas to suggest:

Physical Activity

Sports, such as running around the backyard or riding a bike or scooter, can be a great way to boost dopamine.

Creative Pursuits

Drawing, painting, building with LEGOs, and playing a musical instrument – these activities provide a sense of accomplishment and flow.

Social Connection

Spending quality time with friends and family, playing games together, and having meaningful conversations.

Setting and Achieving Goals

Even small goals, such as finishing a puzzle or learning a new skill, release dopamine when they are achieved.

Spending Time in Nature

Research indicates that spending time outdoors can have a profoundly positive impact on one's mood and overall well-being.

Helping Others

Acts of kindness and generosity can trigger the release of dopamine, fostering a sense of purpose.

Finally….

Your role isn’t to demonise technology, but to help your kids develop a balanced relationship with it.

By understanding the science behind their screen habits and offering them engaging alternatives, you are helping them make healthier choices and find joy in a wider range of experiences.

It’s essential to have those conversations yourself, rather than leaving it to teachers, and help your kids discover many ways to feel good, both on and off screen.

Have a great fortnight

Jo Flynn