From the Assistant Principal...

Social Media

As the term comes to a close I would like to encourage all of our students to think about how their actions impact other people, not just in person, but via technologies such as smartphones and social media. As parents, it is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate the online world our children are living in, but being aware and proactive is necessary if we are to help them learn online behaviours that are safe and positive as opposed to those that are harmful and negative.

Most social media platforms have a minimum joining age of 13, but there are others that are marketed to younger children.  We are also aware that children younger than 13 are active on social media. Again, being aware and proactive is the only option if we are to help our young people develop ethical online behaviours.

As a mother of a 16 and 18 year old, I have had to navigate the world of social media myself. My first reaction when my eldest got a smartphone was to ban Facebook. Then I discovered Facebook was so yesterday! What I quickly realised was that I really had no idea. Lucky for me, there is a wealth of information available to help parents deal with these very issues, much of it online. Two websites I recommend are Kidshealth.org, and The Office of the eSafety Commisioner. The Carly Ryan Foundation Facebook page is also an excellent resource for keeping up-to-date with different social media apps and other online information.

Something from Kidshealth.org that I think is particularly helpful is the suggestion of making a ‘social-media contract.’ The following extract is taken from their website:

Make a Contract

Consider making a "social media agreement" with your kids — a real contract they can sign. In it, they agree to protect their own privacy, consider their reputation, and not give out personal information. They also promise not to use technology to hurt anyone else through bullying or gossip.

In turn, parents agree to respect teens' privacy while making an effort to be part of the social media world. This means you can "friend" and observe them, but don't post embarrassing comments or rants about messy rooms.

Parents also can help keep kids grounded in the real world by putting limits on media use. Keep computers in public areas in the house, avoid laptops and smartphones in bedrooms, and set some rules on the use of technology (such as no devices at the dinner table).

And don't forget: Setting a good example through your own behaviour can go a long way toward helping your kids use social media safely.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But what I do know is that our kids need our support in developing their own understanding of what safe and ethical online behaviour means.

To all our St Mary’s families, I wish you a safe, restful and happy holiday! Remember that the first Monday of Term 3 is a Staff Development Day. Students return Tuesday 23rd July.

Mrs Rebecca Cameron