So, you’ve watched “Adolescence” on NETFLIX ... Where to now to turn for advice?

Image courtesy of Netflix

For any parent who has watched the Netflix drama Adolescence and was left highly disturbed by the harmful impact that social media is having on young men and boys, you are not alone. 

It’s hard to think of a show that has captured the world’s attention so fully and shone a much-needed light on the dangerous impact of misogynistic content, algorithms, and influencers on the minds of young men and boys.  

Shockingly, despite our best efforts as parents to raise great kids, it is not a fair fight when tech companies and algorithms can influence our teenagers within seconds.  

The e-Safety Commission has developed a host of resources to ensure that young people are safe to create, connect and explore the wonders of technology and the internet.

The following eSafety resources are available to help you navigate the risks facing young people online:

• Register for the e-Safety Commission’s free 45-minute parent webinar, exploring the online experiences of boys and young men, to understand the impact of social media, gaming, and influencers on attitudes, behaviours and sense of identity 
   
• Listen to ABC Fran Kelly and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant unpack the themes of Adolescence, including toxic masculinity and the online manosphere
   
• Listen to ABC Big Ideas! to hear eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant and other experts in their fields discuss how parents can better support young people to navigate the risks and threats online
   
• Read the blog about how eSafety is shining a light on the dark forces manipulating our teenagers
   
• Read eSafety's young men online research series which explores young men's experiences and how they can be supported to develop healthy and positive masculinities 
   
• For the young person in your life: explore our resources for young people. 

Stay safe, keep well, go gently. 

Ms Samantha Giles

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PARENTS ABOUT THE NATIONALLY CONSISTENT COLLECTION OF DATA

All schools in Australia must participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data as mandated by the federal government. This data collection counts the number of students who require adjustments to be made at school to facilitate their learning. For some students, these adjustments may be related to an identified disability, learning difficulty or medical condition. 

The government has mandated this collection of data to gain a better understanding of the nature of adjustments and support provided to students within school communities. 

The legislated definition of disability is very broad and includes learning difficulties like ADHD as well as medical conditions such as anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, and cystic fibrosis. The data collected does not identify your child or children, it relates only to the number of students in the school and the level of adjustment they require. The adjustment could be as simple as having medication kept in the school office or a seating arrangement within the classroom to support your child’s learning.

In keeping with government mandated requirements your child may have been included in this data collection, but they are not identified. 

If you have any questions, please contact Learning support on the school phone number 02 9603-3000 or alternatively, you can email. 

Email:

Rayghaan.Kasmani@dow.catholic.edu.au

Rosetta.Fitzgerald@dow.catholic.edu.au