Student Wellbeing News

Teens choosing screen time over sleep time

In the modern age, where technology has become an integral part of our lives, we are confronted with new challenges, including the balance between screen time and sleep for our teenagers. We recognise that this is an issue of concern for many parents.

The Impact of Screen Time on Sleep

It's no secret that screens are now an unavoidable part of our daily routine, and teenagers are particularly drawn to their devices for various activities such as socialising, gaming, learning, and entertainment. However, research has shown that excessive screen time, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime, can significantly impact the quality and quantity of sleep our teens are getting.

The blue light emitted by screens can suppress melatonin production, a hormone that regulates sleep. This can make it harder for teenagers to fall asleep and achieve restorative sleep, leading to sleep deprivation. Moreover, engaging in stimulating activities on screens, such as playing video games or watching exciting content, can activate the brain and make it difficult for teenagers to wind down before bed.

Quality sleep is crucial for teenagers' physical, emotional, and cognitive development. During sleep, the brain consolidates learning and memory, and the body goes through important processes contributing to growth and overall wellbeing. Lack of sufficient sleep has been linked to issues like mood swings, difficulty concentrating, poor academic performance, and even health problems in the long run.

Encouraging Healthy Habits

There are steps you can take to help teenagers strike a healthy balance between screen time and sleep:

Set Screen Time Limits

Establish clear guidelines for screen time, especially in the hours before bedtime. Encourage your teens to have a "digital curfew" to allow their minds to unwind before sleep.

Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment

Ensure your teen's bedroom is conducive to sleep. This means minimising the presence of screens and making the room comfortable and relaxing.

Lead by Example

Model healthy screen time habits for your teenagers. Show them the importance of prioritising sleep by managing your screen time and bedtime routines.

Open Communication 

Have an open and non-judgmental conversation with your teenagers about the importance of sleep and the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on their wellbeing.

Encourage Physical Activity

Regular physical activity can improve sleep quality. Encourage your teens to engage in physical activities during the day.

In a world dominated by technology, it's crucial to help teenagers find a healthy balance between their screen time and their sleep. By taking proactive steps to manage screen time and promote good sleep hygiene, you can support teens' overall health and wellbeing.

As always, we are here to support you and your family in navigating these challenges. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Wishing you and your family restful nights and positive digital experiences.

Amal Saleh-Zada

Director of Wellbeing

'Body Kind Families' Initiative

Body Kind Families is a free initiative running in September which is designed to boost parents’ and carers’ confidence in promoting positive body image and responding to body image concerns in their teenage children. It supports families to be kind to their own bodies and to others. 

Body Kind Families provides information and resources to help parents connect with their teens on important topics related to body image, eating, social media and exercise behaviours. By registering you will have access to Body Kind Families resources which have been developed with the support of leading body image experts and The Butterfly Foundation. 

To register please go to www.butterfly.org.au/get-involved/campaigns/bodykindfamilies 

Lisa Eyles

Psychologist

New member of Wellbeing Team

We are thrilled to introduce Harry as the newest member of our Wellbeing Team. With a remarkable talent for speaking multiple languages and a wealth of experience in the field, Harry brings a unique perspective that will undoubtedly enrich the Wellbeing Team. His warm and friendly demeanour is already brightening our workspace, and we look forward to all the incredible contributions he will make to enhance the wellness of our community.

Amal Saleh-Zada

Director of Wellbeing

10 Healthy Habits for High School Students

**1. Rise and Shine with Breakfast Power**

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast. Fuel up with whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits to jumpstart your metabolism, improve concentration, and keep those energy levels up throughout the day.

**2. Stay Hydrated All Day Long**

Water is your best friend! Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, boost your skin's health, aid digestion, and help your body function at its best.

**3. Prioritise Active Breaks**

Sitting for long periods can lead to fatigue and decreased focus. Incorporate quick active breaks between study sessions to get your blood flowing and your mind rejuvenated.

**4. Move Your Body Regularly**

Find an activity you enjoy, whether it's dancing, jogging, playing a sport, or practicing yoga. Regular exercise boosts mood, reduces stress, and helps maintain a healthy weight.

**5. Snack Smartly**

Trade in those sugary snacks for nutrient-rich options like nuts, yogurt, veggies, and fruits. These snacks provide sustained energy and keep your brain sharp.

**6. Get Enough Sleep**

Aim for 8-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Good sleep enhances memory, supports growth, and keeps you alert and focused during classes.

**7. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management**

High school can be stressful, but learning to manage stress is crucial. Try meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or hobbies you love to keep your mind calm and balanced.

**8. Maintain a Balanced Screen Time**

While screens are a big part of life today, remember to take breaks and limit excessive screen time. This can improve sleep, reduce eye strain, and encourage face-to-face interactions.

**9. Cultivate Healthy Relationships**

Surround yourself with positive and supportive friends who encourage your growth. Healthy relationships contribute to emotional well-being and boost your confidence.

**10. Explore New Foods**

Expand your palate by trying new foods and flavours. A varied diet ensures you're getting all the essential nutrients your growing body needs.

Maddie Sill

Mental Health Practitioner

Request for Uniform Donations

The Wellbeing Team provide second-hand uniforms for students in need. We are asking for uniform items, in good condition, be donated to the Wellbeing Team. Specifically, we are looking for dresses, shirts, pants, jackets and any sports uniform in larger sizes. 

If you require uniforms for your child, please contact the Wellbeing Team for support.

Maddie Sill

Mental Health Practitioner

Cybersafety and Responsible Use of Digital Technologies 

The following resources are available to parents and carers to assist them with guiding their children with the use of digital technology in a safe and responsible way. Parents and carers are their child's first role model when it comes to online behaviour. Please find information to assist parents and carers when dealing with Cybersafety issues: 

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents 

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/services-for-parents/Pages/parentline.aspx

https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/counselling-support-services

The following fact sheet may assist in encouraging the safe and respectful use of social media and to provide tips to parents for being a positive role model: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/bullystoppers/parentsocialmediaschoolcommunity.pdf

If parents/carers have any questions regarding Cybersafety or Digital Learnings in Schools and our Mobile Phone Policy, please contact Reception. 

Cameron Campbell

Assistant Principal

Food & Financial Support

As we are all aware, the cost of living is increasing. We realise that this might be causing some distress to members of the EDSC community. If you are experiencing financial difficulties or food insecurity please look at the website www.askizzy.org.au. This website can help you locate services for food, money, clothing, health & housing in your area. 

The College is able to provide a range of food to families within the community. Foodbank Victoria provide EDSC fresh fruit, cereals, milk, different types of ready meals, fruit cups and messy monkey snacks. If you and your family are experiencing food insecurity, please contact the school to arrange a food collection. For a confidential conversation, please call Maddie Sill on 9842-2244.

Please also note that if your child forgets their lunch they can come to the Wellbeing Hub to access the pantry.

Wellbeing Team

Wellbeing Staff

For more information about Wellbeing at the College, please visit the following link .. 

Child Safety Standards

East Doncaster Secondary College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision making.

East Doncaster Secondary College has zero tolerance for child abuse.

East Doncaster Secondary College is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.

Every person involved in East Doncaster Secondary College has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.

In our planning, decision making and operations, all personnel at East Doncaster Secondary College will:

• Take a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety;
• Value and empower children to participate in decisions which affect their lives;
• Foster a culture of openness that supports all persons to safely disclose risks of harm to children
• Respect diversity in cultures and child rearing practices while keeping child safety paramount;
• Provide written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children;
• Engage only the most suitable people to work with children and have high quality staff and volunteer supervision and professional development;
• Ensure children know who to talk with if they are worried or are feeling unsafe, and that they are comfortable and encouraged to raise such issues;
• Report suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities;
• Share information appropriately and lawfully with other organisations where the safety and wellbeing of children is at risk; and
• Value the input of and communicate regularly with families and carers.