Pastoral Wellbeing News

Spotlight on Social Media: Navigating the Challenges

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In today's interconnected world, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of our children. While it provides opportunities for creativity and connection, it also introduces challenges that demand our attention as parents and educators. In the past, parents could shield their children from external influences by simply sending them to their room. However, in the modern era, a young person’s bedroom—when accompanied by an internet-enabled device—can become a gateway to risks. Some students may engage in unsafe behaviours online, exposing themselves to harmful influences that may not align with the positive values upheld by their families or schools.

Netflix's gripping series Adolescence sheds light on the complexities of youth navigating social media and the pressures they face. Among the many topics that are touched on in the series are bullying, the impact of social media and mental health. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding the digital world our children are immersed in. Whilst I would suggest it is a program that every parent and teacher should watch, I am mindful that there is some very challenging content. Please approach with caution. You can read ABC’s article The truth behind Adolescence, the new Netflix series exploring incels and Andrew-Tate-style misogyny to gain some insight into the topics before viewing. A link to the trailer can be found here also.

To support you in the ongoing bid to understand the world our young people are growing up in, we recommend accessing resources that delve into these topics. APA | Keeping teens safe on social media: What parents should know to protect their kids is a good starting point, or perhaps a good resource to re-visit as the holiday period approaches. The 4 tips for parents are:

1. Recognise developing brains may be especially vulnerable to specific social media features.
2. Monitor and discuss your child’s social media use.
3. Model healthy social media use.
4. Watch for problematic social media use.

Being across such trends can assist us in understanding our young people’s world, fostering a safe and supportive environment for our students, both online and offline. Let's work hand in hand to ensure their well-being in this ever-evolving digital landscape.