Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
Social Media
This week, all Year 7 parents were contacted following a year group meeting with Year 7 students. These points of contact occurred after an increase in the volume and intensity of social media conflict between Year 7 students that has required a school-based response. Parents and students have now been advised of the following points:
- In Years 7 - 10, mobile phone use of any kind is banned from the moment students enter school gates until 3.15pm.
- 13 is the legal age for Snapchat, Tiktok and other social media platforms. In September, the legal age will be elevated to 16 under new legislation.
- Snapchat use is banned at school during school hours.
- Recording and photographing using mobile phones or other devices should not be occurring at school.
- It is a breach of the Digital Technologies User Agreement to install a VPN on a student device.
- If a peer blocks or unfriends another peer on a social media platform, social media contact between those two peers should immediately cease; the blocked person should not take the conflict into a different group chat.
- Sexist, racist or otherwise offensive or harassing interactions between students - including on social media platforms outside school - will result in school-based consequences as part of the school’s duty of care when these issues are drawn to our attention.
We are exploring options for school-based parent education and support regarding young people and social media. Please keep an eye on the newsletter for updates. In the meantime, we recommend the Office of the eSafety Commissioner as an excellent starting point for parents seeking insight about how to best manage, monitor and supervise their child’s social media use.
Uniform Reminders
For all Year 7-10 students, the older style uniform (including the previous tracksuits) are now phased out following the four-year transition period.
Tell Them From Me
Next week will see the launch of our 2025 Tell Them From Me Survey for parents, students and staff. The survey will provide us with valuable feedback on what our valued school community members think about school life and will inform our school improvement focus. During Week 4, all students will be given the opportunity and time to participate in this survey during regular school hours. Participation in the survey is entirely voluntary. Your child will not take part if either you or your child do not wish them to. This week, information was sent home to parents with an “opt out” Google Form to complete if you do not wish your child to complete the survey.
We will also be distributing a survey for parents and carers via the TTFM platform, which will be available for completion from Monday, 12th May. We encourage all parents to please complete the survey so we can best improve our practice to align with the needs of our families. Please keep an eye on your inbox next week for the survey link.
Upcoming Webinars from the eSafety Commissioner that may be of interest to parents:
- Understanding and using parental controls to help protect your child online - 14th May, 12.30pm; 3rd June, 3.30pm.
Learn more about these parent webinars and register via THIS LINK.
Free Parent Webinar: Boys and Young Men
Online 27 May 12.30 - 1.15 pm
For boys and young men, the internet can be a place where they seek connection, validation and guidance as they explore what it means to be a man today. However, it also exposes them to risks like concerning content, online exploitation and the growing influence of harmful ideologies.
This free webinar will help parents understand:
- Social and cultural influences shaping boys and young men.
- How boys engage online, build relationships and how they may be vulnerable to manipulation or exploitation.
- The impact of social media, gaming, and influencers on their attitudes, behaviours and sense of identity.
- Practical strategies to build critical thinking, challenge harmful narratives, and create open conversations that empower boys and young men to navigate the online world safely and respectfully.
Register for this webinar here.
Mrs Jennifer Furney
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care