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<\/a><\/p>\nPope Leo\u202fXIV\u2019s encyclical speaks directly to the world young people are growing up in – a world full of fast technology, constant online noise, and big global challenges. His main message is simple: your life has deep value, and the choices you make – especially online – shape the kind of person you become. He encourages teens to slow down, think for themselves, and build a strong inner compass based on truth, kindness, and courage. The encyclical also highlights caring for the planet and standing with people who are left out or treated unfairly. These aren\u2019t just \u201cadult issues\u201d – they\u2019re things young people can influence right now.<\/p>\n
For high school students, the encyclical becomes practical through everyday actions. Pope Leo\u202fXIV urges teens to use technology wisely: post responsibly, avoid spreading misinformation, and treat others with respect online. He calls young people to protect the environment through small habits like reducing waste, recycling, and supporting sustainability projects at school. And he encourages building real community – checking in on classmates who seem lonely, volunteering, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. The encyclical\u2019s big idea is that young people aren\u2019t just the future – they\u2019re leaders today, capable of shaping a more hopeful and compassionate world.<\/p>\n
Four Ways Teens Can Use Technology Wisely<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Responsible Sharing:<\/strong>\u00a0Think before posting. Pause to ask whether a photo, comment, or meme builds others up or tears them down. Share only verified information and avoid gossip or rumours to protect truth and dignity.<\/li>\n
- Digital Kindness:<\/strong>\u00a0Treat people online the same way you would face\u2011to\u2011face. Avoid hurtful comments, support classmates who are bullied, and use social media to encourage rather than embarrass.<\/li>\n
- Healthy Boundaries:<\/strong>\u00a0Set limits on screen time, turn off notifications during homework, and keep phones away from the bedroom helps teens stay grounded, focused, and emotionally balanced.<\/li>\n
- Purposeful Creation:<\/strong>\u00a0Use technology to create good: start a positive message campaign, make videos that teach or inspire, or use digital tools for school projects, activism, or community service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Nicole Katacos<\/strong><\/em>
\nYouth Ministry Coordinator<\/strong><\/em><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Read the latest Youth Ministry News…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":24842,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","class_list":["post-24838","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/24838","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24838"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24842"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/serviam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24838"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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<\/a>This gathering offers students in Years 7-12, a valuable opportunity to experience a safe and welcoming environment where they can build friendships, deepen their faith, and participate in engaging activities, shared meals, catechesis and prayer. An expression of interest form will be circulated through the College for students next week.<\/p>\n