From the Leader of Wellbeing

YEAR 9 Wellbeing

During Term One this year all of Year 9 engaged in the BITE BACK online program for young people – Black Dog Institute, a program for young people aged 13 – 16 years old.

Research suggests that the more often young people engage with the BITE BACK program (i.e. for longer than 30 minutes per week), the greater the benefits to their mental health and wellbeing.

Here are 2 quick videos that explains BITE BACK further – LINK and LINK

This is a tool that you can encourage your daughter to engage with regularly to “Amplify the Good Stuff” in her life.

Social media influencers have become powerful individuals who often shape the opinions and beliefs of others due to strong connections with their audiences. In today’s fast-paced digital world, attention has become a valuable commodity.

However, the impact of social media influencers on youth mental health is a growing concern, most recently, the controversial actions and statements of Andrew Tate. His rise to fame has made him a polarising figure, amassing a significant following of mostly young males. Educators and families have raised urgent concerns about the damaging nature of Tate’s content, worried that his messages may radicalise students and create a generation of young men with regressive and harmful beliefs.

Young people often compare themselves to the idealised lives presented by influencers, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth and dissatisfaction. Social media algorithms may also expose them to inappropriate or harmful content such as explicit material, promotion of harmful behaviours, or distorted perceptions of body image or mental health.

It is important to guide a young person’s social media use and promote open communication. Be curious to comprehend why they might be drawn to radical influencers, like Andrew Tate, and actively seek understanding as part of the solution. While not all influencers have a negative impact, parents play a vital role in ensuring a balanced approach to social media. By actively modelling kindness, respect and positive values, parents can help tackle the sway of radical influencers and be part of the solution to countering unhealthy masculinity.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will be provided guidance on how to respond to misinformation and disinformation, instead encouraging critical thinking and emphasising the value of real-life connections.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your daughter, please contact her Tutor Teacher or House Coordinator for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Social Media Influences edition of SchoolTV
A SPECIAL REPORT: Social Media Influencers