Wellbeing
As we proceed into another week of remote learning, my best wishes go out to all members of the College community as we continue to operate in this challenging period. I hope that students are managing to get much needed breaks from the online learning undertaken.
I thought it timely to republish details from the Office of the Children’s Guardian relating to minimising the opportunities for abuse to occur in both physical and online environments during COVID-19 social restrictions.
| Children and Young People | Parents and Carers |
|---|---|
Only be in contact with adults like teachers, tutors, coaches or counsellors at a time they’re supposed to talk to you. | Review any agreements made with your children about rules on using the internet at home, including whether you are intending to view their search histories. |
Make video calls in the living room if you can. If you are in the bedroom, leave your door open. Make sure the clothing you are wearing is appropriate for interacting with an adult. | Be aware of what apps children are using to communicate with each other as some may be easier for predators to access. |
Remember to be respectful and kind to people. Bullying is never OK, and just because you are online does not mean you can hurt people’s feelings. Treat people with respect. | How is the school connecting with children? How do you know your child is safe? |
Talk to a trusted adult if you feel concerned about anything you have seen or heard online. | Encourage an open dialogue about online activity. |
Talk to a trusted adult about how you feel being at home all the time or if you are worried about the virus. | Consider installing software to block access to certain sites. |
Find a good balance between schoolwork, exercise, meals, family life, time online with friends and sleep. | Where possible, do not allow devices in bedrooms. |
It is a very difficult time at the moment, and while it is hard not being able to meet up with friends and do the things you are used to doing, this is not forever. Find creative ways to get together with your friends online. | Make sure children understand that some sites are not appropriate for them, and they should avoid them. |
Ask them how they know a person they are in contact with or a site they are visiting is safe. | |
Understand that children may be feeling isolated or worried. Encourage them to engage with family activities or to talk to a professional if they feel they need to. |
One of the few benefits of the stay-at-home orders over the holidays was the opportunity
provided to sit and read Barack Obama’s A Promised Land.
A passage from one of the early chapters has Obama recalling a conversation with his grandmother, with whom he was very close. He recalls her saying:
“ There are people in the world who think only about themselves. They don’t care what happens to other people so long as they get what they want. They put other people down to make themselves feel important. Then there are people who do the opposite, who are able to imagine how others must feel, and make sure that they don’t do things that hurt people. “So,” she said, looking me squarely in the eye. “Which kind of person do you want to be?”
When considering the current circumstances we are all facing, I found this passage especially poignant. I encourage the boys when they are chatting on their phones or interacting online to always be mindful of the other, to avoid posting or making comments that have the potential to emotionally impact on another. We are not always aware of the hardships friends and their families are dealing with during this pandemic.
As always, if you have concerns about your son’s wellbeing or learning at the College, please contact the relevant staff members.
Robert Simpson
Director of Wellbeing