From our Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care
THE WORLD FOR OUR STUDENTS ONLINE
Some students in the Middle Years have discovered the power of Google Chat! This is an inappropriate use of the Google suite. The school can’t turn this off; the students must turn it off themselves. Unfortunately, it can become a distraction to learning. There will be consequences for students who misuse the chat function. Please discuss this with your child. Pastoral periods regularly touch on Digital Citizenship and Digital Footprints.
We are concerned as well about the way some students ‘talk’ to each other online. This can spill over to how they then relate to each other at school and how students are impacted and at times deeply hurt. This is a good conversation to have with your child or young person: Is how you communicate online the same as how you would speak face to face? Is it respectful? Is it kind?
In recent weeks, you may have heard of, or even watched the Netflix series “Adolescence”. It is both shocking and powerful as it explores the world of adolescent boys and girls in our current landscape. There has already been much written about this program. The renowned child psychologist Dr Justin Coulson refers to it as “incredible television” which has created valuable conversation. I have spoken to some parents who have watched this program with their own adolescent children which has led to revealing insight. Dr Coulson finished his article with the following suggestions:
What can you do?
- Monitor your kids' online activities
- Talk to them regularly (and listen twice as much)
- Minimise screen time and foster face to face relationships
- Spend more time together as a family
- Make sure he/she gets enough sleep
- Know where your kids are
- Ensure they have access to great adults who care about them
- Tell them the three most important words they can hear: Not I love you... but the next three: no matter what. They need to know they're worthy of your love. Always.
Very helpful resources can be found on the E Commissioner website:
Mrs Leonie Pearce
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care