Guidance Officer Message

In my line of work, one of the biggest challenges I see families facing is the battle against technology. Our patterns of being and connecting are changing. Who hasn't sent a text message to a family member in the next room? Or used a video game to entertain a young child while we quickly finish a task? There are plenty of useful, educational and time-saving advantages to technology, however, when a family member's use of technology becomes harmful to either themselves or to those around them, problems can quickly escalate. 

Harmful effects of online or screentime use can include: tiredness, anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, aggression as well as exposure to content that may be harmful (bullying, inappropriate content, grooming by adults posing as children).

Whether using apps, games or social media platforms, it is important that parents have an understanding of the risks associated with their child's online use.

To educate yourself about online safety, or to have a conversation with your child about the risks and how to stay safe, see the e-safety commissioner's parent's and kid's pages on the following links:

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

https://www.esafety.gov.au/kids