Respectful Relationships & Wellbeing News

Berry Street and Respectful Relationships

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to Term 3! As we kick off this exciting term, it's essential to focus on settling back into a productive routine and fostering healthy habits, including managing screen time. We are going to reinforce some ideas and procedures that may help you and your child navigate returning to school after two weeks of less scheduled routines, along with some tips raised by Susan McLean, the online expert we shared in a specific email sent to senior parents regarding social media earlier in the week. In today's interconnected world, screens have become an integral part of our lives, but finding a balance is crucial for our children's well-being and academic success. Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate this transition and limit screen time effectively:

Establish a Consistent Schedule: 

Set a daily routine that includes specific time slots. This structure will help you manage your time effectively and reduce the temptation to spend excessive hours on screens.

Create Device-Free Zones: Designate certain areas or specific times of the day as screen-free zones. For instance, refrain from using screens during meals, homework or reading time, or an hour before bedtime. These breaks will allow you to engage in other activities, connect with friends and family, and recharge your mind.

Track and Manage Screen Time:

 Utilize apps and features available on your devices to monitor and limit your screen time. These tools can provide valuable insights into your usage patterns and help you set healthy boundaries. Remember to be mindful of the time spent on social media, gaming, and other recreational activities.

Engage in Offline Activities: 

Explore alternative hobbies and activities that do not involve screens. Reading books, playing sports, pursuing artistic endeavors, or enjoying nature can provide a much-needed break from technology and stimulate creativity and personal growth.

Practice Digital Detox: 

Take periodic breaks from screens, especially during weekends or vacations. Use these moments to immerse yourself in real-world experiences, connect with nature, and nurture meaningful relationships. You'll be amazed at how refreshing and rejuvenating these breaks can be.

Communicate and Seek Support: 

Engage in open conversations with your friends, family, and teachers about the importance of balancing screen time. Share your goals and seek their support in maintaining healthy habits. Together, we can create a supportive environment that encourages well-rounded development.

Remember, the goal is not to eliminate screens entirely, but rather to find a healthy balance that allows for personal growth, academic success, and overall well-being. By implementing these strategies, we can settle back into a routine that prioritizes our physical and mental health while making the most of our time at school.

Wishing you a successful and rewarding term ahead!

Podcast suggestion of the week

James van Cuylenburg - Love Your Wonky Bricks The Imperfects

Other than being a Clinical Psychologist (with a child specialisation), Dr James van Cuylenburg is not only Hugh and Josh’s cousin, but in Hugh’s opinion, he’s the greatest piano player in the world - which provides zero context for this incredible episode. James covers so much in this 90 minutes that it’s almost impossible to sum up here. Everything from the development of our kids today, screentime issues, the cost of ambition, the importance of self-compassion and James’s own experiences with bullying and how it motivated him to study psychology. Among MANY other topics .This episode is not just about kids. It’s about the human experience and why we should all acknowledge and love our “wonky bricks” and make the most of our short time on this floating ball we call earth. 

Simon Brown

Head of Wellbeing