Social Media 

Social media is a big part of social and creative life for many pre-teens and teenagers. While there are many benefits, including connection, learning and creativity, there are also a number of risks. Exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying and privacy breaches all have a negative impact on our young people.

The website below highlights ways that you can help your pre-teens and teenagers get the benefits, while using social media responsibly, respectfully and safely.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/entertainment-technology/digital-life/social-media

Please take the time to explore the suggestions in this website and start a conversation about the impact of social media at home, school and personally for your child.

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

Adolescence is a difficult period to navigate.  As teens negotiate social situations, both in-person and online, we often see our children struggle. While these struggles can help to build resilience and problem-solving capabilities, every so often these struggles develop into confrontation.

When this occurs, we encourage students to speak to a trusted adult and seek guidance to help resolve potential conflicts. This person could be a parent or carer, family member, teacher, team leader, member of our wellbeing team, or another trusted adult.

At Ballarat High School, we often assist students to restore friendships or classroom relationships following conflict through restorative conversations. If students do not feel confident telling an adult directly, they should consider using Stymie.

STYMIE

Recently Year 7's were introduced to, and Year 8's reminded of, Stymie:

• Stymie is an anonymous reporting platform that allows students who see, hear or experience harm to speak up. 
• Stymie is available to all Ballarat High School students, with a direct link available on the Student Hub. 
• Stymie allows everybody to be an upstander and seek assistance for themselves or someone else.

If you see something, say something.