This term in assembly, I have been focusing on mental fitness. One of the key messages I’ve shared is that our emotions are influenced by chemicals in our brain. We have the power to engage in or avoid activities that affect these chemicals, meaning we can take control of our emotions. This week, I spoke about dopamine.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in motivation, which is especially important for students working toward academic and personal goals. It’s released when we experience something rewarding, such as completing a project, achieving a goal, or even studying for a test. For students, this chemical boost reinforces positive behaviours, helping them stay motivated and continue striving forward. Engaging in challenging activities, like learning new concepts or participating in extracurricular activities, triggers dopamine release, creating a sense of accomplishment that strengthens their efforts.

While dopamine is a powerful motivator, the way it’s triggered can significantly impact students’ mental health. In today’s digital world, "cheap dopamine" (quick, easy rewards) can shape student wellbeing. Social media, video games, and other digital distractions provide instant gratification, releasing dopamine with every like, comment, or notification. The creators of these platforms understand the power of dopamine and design their products to be highly engaging, even addictive.

Each day, students wake up with a certain amount of dopamine available in their brains, which is released as they accomplish tasks. However, if they start their day by scrolling through their phones, the dopamine hits from social media reduce their brain’s dopamine reserves, leaving less motivation for more meaningful and challenging activities, such as exercising or studying. The instant gratification of social media becomes more appealing, making it even harder to focus on important tasks.

Research shows that this cycle of seeking instant rewards can negatively affect attention spans, reduce motivation for academic work, and contribute to stress and anxiety. Students may find themselves easily distracted by their devices, struggling to engage in the deeper, more fulfilling experiences that come from personal growth and learning.

I encourage both parents and students to reflect on whether this is relevant to them by considering the following questions:

• Do I have goals, and do I feel motivated to work toward them?
• How long do I spend on my phone, and how quickly in the morning do I reach for it?
• Am I finding it difficult to focus on important tasks?
• Am I easily distracted by fun, easy activities like scrolling or gaming?
• What restrictions do I place on phone or gaming use?
• How could I adjust my habits to reduce my reliance on cheap dopamine?

By making small, intentional changes, students can develop healthier habits that support their long-term motivation, focus, and well-being.

Going Home Arrangements

If you need to pick up your child earlier or have made new arrangements, please notify the office no later than 2:50pm. This will allow our staff enough time to locate your child and ensure a smooth process. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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