Wellbeing Corner

Wellbeing Corner

Why is Sleep Important for Teenagers?

At Fort Street High School, we often hear from parents concerned that their child is staying up late (sometimes into the early hours of the morning) either studying or using devices. In our school where academic drive is strong and students are juggling high expectations, co-curricular activities and advanced coursework, it can be easy for healthy sleep routines to slip.

But the research is clear: sleep is not a luxury, it’s essential for high performance. For adolescents, getting enough quality sleep supports:

  • Stronger focus and retention, especially when tackling complex ideas across multiple subjects
  • Better emotional regulation, which helps with managing stress, anxiety, and peer relationships
  • Sustainable performance over time, reducing the risk of burnout and promoting long-term academic success

As parents and caregivers, you play a powerful role in supporting your child’s sleep and overall wellbeing. Encouraging consistent bedtime routines, setting healthy boundaries around screen use in the evenings, and modelling good sleep habits yourself can make a significant difference. Creating a home environment that values rest and balance is important and it will help your child sustain their performance, emotional health and motivation across the school year.

For more evidence-based strategies and information, read the full fact sheet by the Sleep Health Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Online Parent Workshop – Tech-Smart Parenting

We are pleased to share an upcoming free online parent workshop run by the UTS Kidman Centre as part of their wellbeing series for families.

Workshop 6: Tech-Smart Parenting – Creating Healthy Screen Time Habits

🗓 Tuesday 16 September 2025 | 🕕 4:00–5:00PM | 💻 Online (via Zoom)

Who is this for? Parents and caregivers of children and teens

What will it cover? Learn how to create balanced screen time routines, develop a family tech-use plan, understand common apps, and support your child’s mental wellbeing in a digital world.

You can register directly via the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiGYH3k2_uFLfZsVhNgXZrYe8tWfaFtcQaWGKtHBrUrwGUcA/viewform

The full program flyer is below for those interested in other upcoming sessions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Mental Health Webinars for Parents – Black Dog Institute

Black Dog Institute are offering Free Mental Health Webinars for Parents and Carers.

Co-delivered by a clinical psychologist and a youth lived experience advisor, these webinars will explore:

  • Understanding mental health in adolescence, including insights from the Future Proofing Study
  • What is mental health, and when to be concerned
  • Key strategies to support adolescents
  • Having the conversation – what to say and how to create a supportive environment
  • Getting help – health professionals, online and digital support for parents and adolescents
  • Promoting healthy habits – including building connections, sleep, and screen use

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Dates:

Thursday 11th September @ 7PM (AEST) Register here
Thursday 9th October @ 7PM (AEDT) Register here
Monday 20th October @ 7PM (AEDT) Register here
Thursday 30th October @ 7PM (AEDT) Register here
Wednesday 12th November @ 7PM (AEDT) Register here
Thursday 27th November @ 7PM (AEDT) Register here
Wednesday 10th December @ 7PM (AEDT) Register here