From the Principal
Social Media and the Internet
When I speak to families, one of the most common topics of conversation is how to manage internet and social media use within their household. Parents and carers often express that between gaming, browsing the web, social media, and the ever evolving number of apps, they feel overwhelmed, like they’re being hit by a tsunami they can’t keep up with.
Many parents and carers share that they feel alone and powerless when their children exclaim, “Everyone else is allowed to…”
I want to reassure you that you are not alone. Every parent and carer is trying to find the right balance and make the best decisions to keep their children safe.
As a College, one of the fastest growing areas where we support families is navigating social media conflicts, exposure to inappropriate content, and cyberbullying. These situations are often complicated because they happen in the grey area between school and home, making strong partnerships essential to navigate them successfully.
Through hard won and lost experience as both an educator and a dad of young adult kids, I’d like to share some recommendations with you.
Fight the big fights as early as possible
Setting clear, firm boundaries early on makes the journey smoother. It’s far easier to hold your ground than to try and reclaim it once it’s been given away. I encourage families to decide early and communicate clearly, things like:
- What age a child can get a phone
- When a child can access social media
- Screen time and gaming rules
Establishing these expectations early helps reduce pushback later.
Talk to your tribe and consider a common approach
Connect with other parents in your church, your child’s year group or among close family friends to see what they are doing. Chances are, they’re asking the same questions you are. Aligning on similar family guidelines can ease the sense of loneliness and give you a solid response to the inevitable “Everyone else gets to…”
Make the law your friend
Most social media platforms require users to be at least 13 years old and later this year in Australia, that minimum will rise to 16. Don’t allow your children to access social media before 13. If they are eager to connect with friends, child safe options like Messenger Kids can be a good compromise. Handing an 11 year old access to adult social media is like giving them a running chainsaw, it’s not a matter of if they’ll get hurt, but when.
Your children will thank you
As parents, we are entrusted by God to raise and guide our children in the way they should go.
Not long ago, my now adult children sat around our dinner table reflecting on their social media experiences. To my surprise, they thanked us for setting boundaries, and even suggested we could have been stricter.
I once surveyed a Year 9 class, asking what rules they would set for their future children. Every single student said they would enforce stricter rules than their own parents had. They knew the impact social media was having on them.
As a College, we remain committed to partnering with families to navigate these challenges in a healthy, empowering way. You are not alone. I encourage you to keep fighting the good fight, for the sake of all our children.
Joel van Bentum
Principal
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