Wellbeing                      College Counsellor

This month on SchoolTV - Screen Time 

As a result of the global pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in the amount of time people spend on screen-based devices. Families are transitioning back to pre-COVID routines but many are still struggling to re-establish the boundaries and rules around screen use. Some continue to deal with digital conflict and tech-tantrums on a daily basis. The latest research found that 77% of teenagers spend more than five hours on screens per day, but it is important to note that not all screen time is considered equal.

Parents play a crucial role in modelling a positive and healthy approach to using screens and assisting children to navigate the content they watch. It is better to model and mentor screen use, rather than monitor it. Children tend to do more of what they see us do, and less of what we tell them to do. However, it is still important to outline the risks and highlight the benefits of screen use to ensure you keep a balanced attitude. Encourage discussions around the issues that people experience in monitoring their screen time and be honest about your own difficulties.

Parents need to remain firm in their approach to managing screen time. Excessive screen time can be detrimental to a child’s overall wellbeing. Ensuring the correct privacy settings are in place is vital to prevent children from being inadvertently exposed to inappropriate content or online predators. Parents need to also be mindful of the potential impact screen time can have on a child’s social, emotional, educational, behavioural, and even physical domains.

In this edition of SchoolTV, care-givers will be provided with a range of guidelines and strategies to help manage screen time at home. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help. Here is the link to this month's edition https://goodnews.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/managing-screen-time

REMINDER - SPECIAL REPORT

Wellbeing Barometer for Primary & Secondary SchoolTV has been supporting families and schools for quite some time providing guidance and information to help alleviate some of the challenges faced by young people, especially during the pandemic. This has impacted many and proven to be a difficult time for some more than others.

However, irrespective of how many lockdowns your family experienced, the social and psychological impacts still remain uncertain. There is substantial evidence to show that mental health concerns are on the rise, especially in relation to our young people who may require some extra support. Parents play a vital role in providing this support, helping kids reframe their worries and focus more on the things that they can control in their life. Ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of young people is important for many reasons, one of which is the direct impact it can have on educational outcomes.

In this Special Report, we are seeking parent participation in a short survey (by 30th May 2022). The survey is designed to assist our school by providing a barometer on the state of wellbeing within our community. The information gathered will assist us in focussing on the key issues affecting students and discovering where further assistance may be required.

Here is the link to your Primary Years Special Report https://goodnews.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-levnt-primary

Here is the link to your Middle and Senior Years Special Report https://goodnews.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeinTg_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-levnt-secondary

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this short survey.