Social, Emotional & Academic Development (SEAD)

SEAD Across the College

Due to the pandemic, the world we now live in is a very different place. The hyperconnected nature of our current environment means that we are constantly being reminded of the challenges we face via numerous media and social media channels. Our connectivity to the digital world exposes us to a barrage of messages that can leave us feeling overwhelmed. As a result, many children and their parents are reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety.

Our brains have not evolved fast enough to adapt to this digital landscape. The combination of constant access to information and having little control over the situations presented, can be stressful and overwhelming. It is therefore important for adult carers to check in with their children and be aware of what information they may have been exposed to. It may not necessarily be the information itself that is harmful, but more their inability to process and make sense of it. Providing children with the skills and strategies to cope will enable them to flourish and thrive, socially, emotionally, and academically.

The blueprint for parenting, based on our own experiences, is no longer fit for purpose in raising kids as citizens of tomorrow. This can be inherently stressful and overwhelming, not only for parents and carers, but children alike. If left untreated or unmanaged, constant stress and anxiety can lead to behavioural issues, health consequences and psychological concerns.

School TV has a Special Report on ‘Managing Overwhelm’ and suggests several strategies to help manage these feelings that you or your child may be experiencing. Here is the link to your special report.

There are also many up-to-date resources in the “Managing Concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)” on Loreto Connect SEAD pages. Please log in and check them out. 

As always, if you have any specific concerns about your child or young person, please contact your daughter’s ELC Educator, Classroom Teacher, or Head of Junior School and Early Learning Centre, or the relevant Leader of Student Wellbeing and Academic Care, or Mentor/Subject Teacher in the Senior School. 

Monica Bignold

College Psychologist