Principal
How Harmful is Social Media to Mental Health?
How harmful is social media to teenagers’ mental health? According to one recent research study, social media is no more harmful than television was for young people in the 1990s.
The study looked at more than 430,000 young people aged 10 to 15 in the UK and US. It found no evidence that any link between mental ill health and technology had grown worse over that time.
The research examined TV viewing, social media engagement and the use of digital devices such as smartphones before comparing them with feelings of depression, suicidal tendencies and behavioural problems. It aimed to investigate growing concerns that technology is becoming more prevalent in young people’s lives and more harmful to their mental health.
Other studies, however, have suggested a rise in teenage depression. A report by University College London in 2019 found that adolescents were more likely to feel depressed and to self-harm, and less likely to get a full night’s sleep, than 10 years previously.
The study also found there was no notable difference in impact between boys and girls.
Some may assume, or have anecdotal evidence, that social media or smartphones result in poor mental health, but this is not necessarily the case. While some individuals may be more affected than others, on average research shows the relationship is weak.
Instead, there are other factors that appear to be more strongly related to poor mental health. Sleep, bullying and cyberbullying, and conflict between parents have much greater impact.
In the meantime, the wise parent keeps a close eye on the amount of time spent on social media and the material being accessed. When young people know their parents are interested and watchful, they may be influenced to make good choices.
During this lockdown period, I have had parents report to me that some students have been taking the opportunity to make disgusting and hurtful comments on platforms such as Discord, a platform that from the outset makes no attempt to hide how it can be used, to sow discord amongst friends. Things are fun until biting comments hit too close to the bone and boys’ mental health is then affected. I would urge parents to be hyper-vigilant in these times. It’s great for boys to connect but it is not much fun when your so-called friends are making fun of you.
Acknowledgment: Dr Cara Booker, research fellow in the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex; The Times 4 May 2021; the journal of Clinical Psychological Science.
New Building Plans
To continue to promote excellence in learning and support the changing needs of our students, St Patrick’s College has embarked on an exciting new building project.
The first stage of this project will see the construction of a new science and learning building, the Scientia Building, which will be located at the very heart of the campus where the tennis courts now stand. This building is set to provide our students with cross-curricular learning in a state-of-the-art environment and will enhance both the curricular and co-curricular life of the College.
It will encompass contemporary general learning spaces, science, and technology laboratories as well as a food technology and hospitality centre, the Badalya Centre, complete with a cafeteria overlooking Breen Oval. New change rooms and four new tennis courts will also be constructed, two at ground level and two on the roof top. In addition, a basement car park will allow for an extra 59 onsite parking spaces.
The construction of the Scientia Building will complete the first phase of the building project outlined in the current Capital Master Plan. This Plan allows us to continue to adapt to an ever-changing environment and seeks to provide our students with opportunities to expand their horizons and inspire them to become ardent learners.
We welcome all in our community to join us on this exciting journey and will provide regular updates once building commences. Until then, please watch our vision come to life in this video.
Help for Families During This Lockdown
In these times, the College is mindful of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdowns have had on the jobs and businesses of families within our community. If your capacity to pay tuition fees has been directly impacted, please do not hesitate to reach out. Please contact our Finance team on finance@spc.nsw.edu.au to discuss, in confidence, any assistance the College may be able to provide your family during this time.
In Memoriam
On 1 July 2021, the world lost a special person when Judith Anne Brogden passed away at 79 years of age. She is the loved mother to Dianna, John, and Andrew, the latter being Old Boys of the College. She was also a cherished Nanna to her Grandchildren, one of whom is currently in Year 5 at the College, Baille Brogden. She was active as a parent in our community; a great friend to many and loved in return.
We keep in our prayers Elijah Mannah (Year 8), Jacob Mannah (Year 12) and Old Boy Matthew Mannah (Class of 2019) on the loss of their beloved aunt, Jackie Chidiac.
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
Dr Vittoria Lavorato
Principal
SPC boys can do anything!
**except divide by zero