Wellbeing News
Self Harm
As many as 10% of young Australians will self-harm at some point in their lives but parents and carers often feel alone when they discover that a loved one is intentionally hurting themselves.
This guide was co-developed by parents and carers of young people, as well as young people themselves.
It is aimed at helping parents, carers, family members and friends cope when a young person is self-harming.
It includes information on the nature and causes of self-harm, how to support a young person when facing this problem and what help is available.
SEXTING
‘Sexting’ means sending a sexual message or text, with or without a photo or video. It can be done using a phone service or any platform that allows people to connect via an online message or chat function – including WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat and various dating apps.
‘Sending nudes’ usually means sharing intimate photos or videos with someone else, which is the most common type of sexting.
Whether you’re planning a casual hook-up or you’re in a longer-term relationship, sexting may be a way you choose to express yourself sexually. It can allow you to explore your identity, create intimacy or build a healthy relationship. But it’s important to do it safely and respectfully, with the consent of everyone involved.
Remember: A person who asks for, accesses, possesses, creates or shares sexualised images of someone under 18 may be at risk of criminal charges – even if you’re both young and you agreed to it. Youth Law Australia External link recommends that you never take or share prohibited or sexual images of someone unless they are over 18 and you are sure they have said it’s OK.
This video shows how to support young people dealing with issues like pressure to send nudes or online sexual harassment. It’s designed for parents and carers of young people aged 13 to 18 years old. https://vimeo.com/595727241
More information https://www.esafety.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-09/English%20-%20Parents%20guide.pdf
E Safety https://www.esafety.gov.au/ has a lot of good information and abuse can be reported here too.
Vic legal Aid - https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/sexting-and-child-abuse-material
DISABILITY INCLUSION - ADHD
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have brains that work differently from the brains of children without ADHD. These differences mean that children with ADHD have particular difficulties and strengths. Typically, children with ADHD have difficulties with:
paying attention – for example, they find it hard to concentrate on tasks
being hyperactive – for example, they find it hard to sit still for long
controlling impulses – for example, they might say or do things before thinking them through.
These difficulties happen most of the time and have a big effect on children’s daily lives.
Children with ADHD also have many strengths.
They can:
be highly creative and think about things in unique ways
focus on and spend a lot of time learning about and enjoying things they love
be adventurous and open to trying new things
channel their energy into physical activity and be very successful.
At MNSC we are striving towards an inclusive learning environment. If you need any support or more information please contact Gail Lamb Hale at Wellbeing.
More information :
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/ADHD_ways_to_help_children_at_school_and_home/
https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/development/adhd/adhd
XSEL day with the Year 11 Students
On Tuesday the 3rd September and 8th October the Wellbeing Team and XSEL working group organised a social and emotional learning day around topics such as: mental health, sexual health, help seeking, time management and relationships. We had great engagement and learning opportunities. The students asked a lot of great questions and participated in all activities. We had the Amazing Race, yoga and an introduction to meditation. The students had some great guest speakers who attended our school and some external agencies. The Year 11’s worked as a team in creating a communal lunch with tacos and burritos.
LIVE 4 LIFE Crew
This year Live4Life Bass Coast South Gippsland Theme is “Check in and reach out”. We have 6 students who are a part of the live4Life crew at MNSC. We were lucky enough for one of our students, Gypsybelle Wadsworth to participate in the 3-day camp over the school holidays in the Macedon Ranges. Our crew will be working toward a Year 8 event later in the term to bring awareness to mental health.
