There are always challenges with finding that balance between freedom and boundaries with teens. Over the years, the College has noticed an increasing trend of students on social media during late hours. These early mornings have significant impacts on their behaviour and mental health which is presented at school.

According to CCN, a new study has possibly captured that objectively, finding that for teens diagnosed with internet addiction, signalling between brain regions important for controlling attention, working memory and more were disrupted. The findings are from a review, published Tuesday in the journal PLOS Mental Health, of 12 neuroimaging studies of a few hundred adolescents ages 10 to 19 between 2013 and 2022.

When participants clinically diagnosed with internet addiction engaged in activities governed by the brain’s executive function network — behaviours requiring attention, planning, decision-making and impulse control — those brain regions showed substantial disruption in their ability to work together, compared to those in peers without internet addiction. The authors think such signalling changes could suggest these behaviours can become more difficult to perform, potentially influencing development and well-being. If you’re wondering if your teen struggles with internet addiction or is trending towards this concern, behaviours such as withdrawing from relationships are a telltale sign.

The middle ground approach is an approach that a growing number of experts say is the most realistic and effective way of teaching children about social media: Rather than an outright ban or allowing free reign, they recommend a slow, deliberate onboarding that gives children the tools and information they need to navigate a world in which places like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat are almost impossible to escape.

We strongly recommend that students of younger grades be limited access to social media applications as well as devices after an appointed hour in your family's nighttime routine. Students have been quite sneaky in being able to access these applications through various platforms not limited to their laptops and mobile phones but also gaming devices. We also recommend a sweep of their devices, be aware of what your child is using on their devices.

One such popular application, Snapchat has a tool where users can add random strangers to their account and communicate with them without knowing anything about them, the risks of such settings are obvious to us as adults but not considered by students. Please see below an easy way to remove this from the settings, if you are allowing use of this application at all. It is strongly advised that all applications are set to private where students are only communicating with friends they have given permission to.

Champagnat Day

The SRC and Cultural students have been working towards bringing an inclusive element of Champagnat Day with Marcellin’s Table. This is an opportunity for students to prepare and share traditional food/drink items for sale on Champagnat Day. These students remained at the College on Thursday evening to prepare these items ready for the day. Well done to these students and to all the students who contributed to the set-up and running of Champagnat Day.

MACE

On Thursday 6th of June, students of Year 10 went to the Macarthur Careers Expo. The Macarthur Careers Expo 2024 took place on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Club Menangle Trackside. This event was designed for students, particularly those in Year 10, to explore various career paths, gather information about different professions, and interact with representatives from a range of industries and educational institutions. The expo provided valuable insights into career planning and opportunities for future study and employment.

The event was an important opportunity for students to engage with career advisors and industry professionals, which can significantly aid in their career decision-making processes. The expo typically features a variety of exhibitors, including universities, TAFE institutions, apprenticeship providers, and employers, offering students a comprehensive overview of the possibilities available to them post-graduation​.

Upcoming Incursion:

Interactive Theatre Experience "Wired" for Year 7 & 8 Students

We are excited to announce that our Year 7 and 8 students will soon have the opportunity to participate in "Wired," an innovative and interactive theatre experience designed to address some of the pressing issues faced by Australian students today. Scheduled to take place on Friday June 14th, this engaging program promises to be both enlightening and supportive for our young learners.

"Wired" is a dynamic and thought-provoking performance that tackles critical topics such as social isolation, bullying, online safety, school-related stress, family dynamics, and the pressures exerted by social media. Through its immersive approach, the program not only highlights these significant issues but also promotes essential strategies for resilience, problem-solving, goal-setting, and maintaining positive mental health.

Developed in consultation with a clinical psychologist and grounded in contemporary research, "Wired" is meticulously designed to stimulate meaningful discussions among students. It serves as an excellent complement to our College’s existing wellbeing, (cyber)bullying, and mental health initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a supportive and proactive environment for our students.

The interactive nature of "Wired" ensures that students are not mere spectators but active participants in the narrative, allowing them to understand better and navigate the challenges they may face in their daily lives. By addressing the barriers to seeking help and promoting a culture of openness and support, this program aims to empower our students with the tools they need to thrive both personally and academically.

We encourage all parents to discuss the themes of "Wired" with their children and to support them in applying the strategies they will learn during this experience. By working together, we can help our students build a stronger, more resilient community. We look forward to this exciting event and the positive influence it will have on our students' wellbeing.