Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

The SJPC College community has once again shown its generosity by its involvement in the various activities of the 2024 Kawalazi Development Project. Unfortunately the College Social, where all the profits were going to Kawalazi had to be cancelled. We are asking for one last effort in each Homeroom to help raise $50 for the education of a student for 2025. We are fortunate to contribute to the education of so many students at our sister school in Kawalazi.

It seems timely to revisit the growing concern that is being experienced around social media and keeping our young people safe.

Like any form of social engagement, social media comes with risks. Some of the most common risks include:

• spending too much time online and being disconnected from the real world
• being a victim of online bullying
• damaging your online reputation
• having your personal information shared online
• being harassed or annoyed by someone you do not want attention from
• being the victim of an online scam
• having reduced self-esteem (for some teenagers)

When you talk to your child about personal subjects, you are trying to balance a number of different things: 

• respecting your child’s privacy while still making sure they are safe and happy 
• giving them space to test their own problem-solving skills online but supporting them as they make their own way 
• educating them about people’s different personalities but knowing you can’t make their choices for them 
• establishing boundaries while being understanding and open 

Keeping up-to-date will help you to set clear boundaries with your teen and encourage them to stay safe on the platform. The following platforms all provide parents with ways to help keep your child safe online: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Discord, Twitch, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter). Any other information on gaming or social sites can be found on the eSafety Commissioner website.

You may have had the opportunity to attend the very insightful presentation given by Kirra Pendergast, founder of the Safe On Social program, on Tuesday evening hosted by St Augustine's Primary School Parent Forum. 

“As an industry pioneer and cybersecurity expert, Kirra Pendergast has been at the forefront of information security since 1991. With a wealth of experience and a passion for empowering individuals of all ages, Kirra’s innovative approach focuses on education and awareness rather than fear tactics, guiding organisations and internet users towards safe and responsible engagement with technology. Through her unique blend of personal experience, technical expertise, and compassionate methodology, Kirra inspires a shift towards a balanced and positive relationship with technology use, aiming to make the online world safer and more enriching for everyone.” Safe on Social

The advice and recommendations outlined by Kirra were very practical. Please remember that her presentation was pitched to an adult audience and it is advisable that parents/carers preview it prior to speaking with their children. If you were unable to attend, much of what was discussed can be found on the Safe on Social website.

Kirra’s whole presentation can be viewed on YouTube.

I strongly suggest you take the time to look over this. 

More research is needed to fully understand the impact of social media; however, the current body of evidence indicates that while social media may have benefits for some children and adolescents, there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. For us as parents and educators it is our responsibility to guide the young people in our care through the complexities of social media use.

Until next time: