Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Addressing the Impact of Social Media on Adolescents
As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern adolescence, one pressing issue that has emerged is the impact of social media on the mental health of our students. In light of this, we would like to share insights from Jonathan Haidt’s recent podcast episode, “On How to Solve the Teen Mental Health Crisis,” which sheds light on this critical topic and offers potential solutions.
The Current Landscape
Social media has become an integral part of daily life for many adolescents. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok offer a space for self-expression and connection. However, growing evidence suggests that these platforms can also contribute to significant mental health challenges.
Jonathan Haidt, a prominent social psychologist, discusses in his podcast how the rise of social media correlates with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among teenagers. He emphasizes that the constant comparison, cyberbullying, and addictive nature of social media can exacerbate these issues, creating a challenging environment for young minds.
Key Insights from Jonathan Haidt
Haidt highlights several factors contributing to the mental health crisis among teens:
1. Comparison and Self-Esteem: Social media often presents an idealised version of reality, leading teens to compare themselves unfavourably to others. This constant comparison can erode self-esteem and foster feelings of inadequacy.
2. Cyberbullying: The anonymity and distance provided by social media can embolden individuals to engage in harmful behaviours, such as cyberbullying. This form of bullying can have severe psychological effects on victims.
3. Screen Time and Sleep Disruption: Excessive screen time, particularly before bed, can disrupt sleep patterns. Poor sleep is linked to a range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
Strategies for Mitigation
Haidt offers several strategies to mitigate the negative impact of social media on adolescents:
1. Education and Awareness: Educating students about the realities of social media and its potential pitfalls can empower them to use these platforms more mindfully. Encouraging critical thinking about the content they consume and share is crucial.
2. Parental Involvement: Parents play a key role in guiding their children’s social media use. Setting boundaries, monitoring activity, and fostering open communication about online experiences can help protect mental well-being.
3. Promoting Offline Activities: Encouraging students to engage in offline activities, such as sports, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions, can provide a healthy balance to their online presence. These activities can boost self-esteem and reduce reliance on social media for validation.
4. School Support Systems: Schools can provide support through counselling services, workshops, and creating a positive school environment where students feel valued and connected. Peer support programs can also be beneficial in addressing issues related to social media use.
Moving Forward
At Saint Ignatius College Geelong, we are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our students. We recognise the importance of addressing the challenges posed by social media and have been dedicated to implementing strategies that foster a healthy, balanced approach to technology use. This can be seen through our most recent Mobile Phone Process and Procedure.
We encourage parents, students, and staff to engage in open dialogues about social media and its effects. Together, we can create a supportive community that prioritizes the mental health and well-being of our adolescents.
For those interested in learning more, I recommend listening to Jonathan Haidt’s podcast, “On How to Solve the Teen Mental Health Crisis,” for a deeper understanding of this issue and practical advice on how we can all contribute to a healthier digital environment for our teens.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the well-being of our students.
Michael Timms Deputy Principal - Students.
The last few weeks have been busy in the Performing Arts Department with many performances across the classroom and extracurricular program.
On May 16 the Junior Band under the guidance of Janice Wilding participated in a Combined Bands Workshop and Concert at Belmont High School. They worked with guest conductor Sean Rankin in a large ensemble of around 150 musicians with students from Belmont High, St Joseph’s College, Kardinia College, Covenant College, Sacred Heart and Clonard. The concert was well received by a packed audience in Belmont’s auditorium.
During the same week the VCE Theatre Studies class produced a fantastic production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ This was performed in The Potato Shed and was student led under the guidance of their subject teacher Andrea Broadbear. All students are to be congratulated on the level of performance which was high class in all aspects.
The annual VCE Music Soiree took place at the Piano Bar last week on May 23. All students from both the Year 11 and 12 Music Performance classes performed solo and group items to a full house. This was an opportunity for our students to present a portion of their program to family and friends that they are working on for their final exams later in the year. A special thank you to Kym Dillon for accompanying on piano all of the solo performances.
The Year 9 and 10 Music Classes held their own concert in The Potato Shed on May 29. This was part of their performance assessment. For some of the students this was their first public performance in this type of setting but there was no indication of this with some high quality performances. Thanks to the work of their classroom teacher Matthew Jennings.
There are still a few events to finish off the term and we welcome parents and friends to join us at these.
Tuesday June 4 7pm, Mackillop Theatre
Monday June 17 7pm, Mackillop Theatre
Featuring students in 7 Crosbie, 7 Fitzgerald, 7 Philp, 7 Magher, 7 Greiner plus Honours Band, Junior Band and Senior Band
Michael Wilding
Acting Head of Performances
National Reconciliation Week Monday 27th May – Friday 31st May
This week the College acknowledged National Reconciliation Week. The theme for 2024 is;
“ Now More Than Ever “
National Reconciliation Week is intended to celebrate Indigenous history and culture in Australia and foster reconciliation discussion and activities.
During the week your SICG FIRE Carriers, Chace, Ruby, Stephanie, Tiarni, Alana, Ella, Isabel and Georgia organised a number of events/activities including:
Decorating the College in Australian First Nation colours
A Mentor Group competition “ Name the Famous Indigenous Person “
Congratulations to 8 Frigo for taking out the title as 2024 champions
Homeroom listened to Spirit Bird by Torquay local musician Xavier Rudd
Students played traditional Indigenous games at lunchtime
Participated in making friendship bracelets
Viewed Australian Indigenous short films
Tested their knowledge of Indigenous histories, language, customs and culture by completing a ILC quiz
Listened to the Kevin Rudd, Australian Prime Ministers 2008 Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples
It was a great week of listening, sharing and celebrating Australian First Nations people.
Thank you, SICG FIRE Carriers
( Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education )
SICG member since 2018
During Mentor Time this year the Year 8s have been working through The Resilience Project curriculum, a wellbeing curriculum designed to assist students to build resilience and manage their mental health. The three pillars of this program are Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness all of which have been explored thoroughly throughout the year. The implementation of this program has brought these pillars to the forefront of our minds on many occasions. One occasion on which these pillars were put into action was the support given to Feed Me Bellarine in the early part of this Term.
Feed Me Bellarine is an organisation that Saint Ignatius has had a long-standing relationship with, that does fantastic work throughout the community. Early in the Term Feed Me Bellarine reached out to our school and said that their food stocks were critically low, which led to them having to scale back their education programs this term.
In response to this, the year level ran a food collection drive to assist in alleviating this shortfall targeting pasta and rice. The response was overwhelming and we were able to make four large deliveries across the first four weeks of the term. This is a great example of the Year 8 students and families showing empathy by donating to people that are less fortunate than ourselves. Thanks to the Year 8 Mentor Teachers, Ms Clark and Jaryd for their support with this initiative.
Mr Dan Palmer | Year 8 Coordinator
It was a lively, excited atmosphere as students keenly boarded buses on Monday, 29 April for our Yr 7 Anglesea camp. On arrival, students were given a tour of the campsite and facilities before heading to their bunk room and familiarising themselves with their surroundings, especially knowing where the dining room was located as the rumour was that the food was amazing. The bushland setting and glimpses of rolling waves make this an ideal venue for students to connect with each other, have fun, be brave in taking on challenges and working collaboratively. There was a vast array of activities and each one was a challenge by choice, thereby allowing students to test themselves to the extent that they wanted.
I was fortunate to join Chaise Scott and Ms Edmonds in the canoe for the water activity and we gradually gained control as we paddled around the wetlands, narrowly avoiding hitting the bank and others’ canoes. At one stage, others kept crashing into us and Chaise was feeling a little worried we were going to capsize but fortunately, we managed to stay afloat. To Indie Soall’s dismay, her canoe tipped and all were soaked although there was some debate as to whether Blake had been deliberately rocking too hard. A few also got themselves quite wet when their raft-building exploits didn’t quite go to plan and with ropes loosened and drums separating, the inevitable spills occurred but there were still plenty of laughs. Not all were sent into the water, however, as some skilful people ingeniously managed to secure all their materials well enough to successfully float their raft. It was a great exercise in problem-solving and teamwork!
So many students pushed themselves out of their comfort zone, encouraged by peers and teachers, to scale the Vertical Climb, experience the Giant Swing or pedal hard up many steep inclines during Mountain Biking. The satisfaction felt on attaining their goal was exhilarating and much high-fiving could be heard when feet hit the ground. Well done to all our students regardless of how far up one climbed or how fast one biked! It was all about participating and trying new activities, never forgetting to have self-belief and to be persistent.
On the second night of each camp, Mr Exton visited and spoke about the values that are important at our school and invited the Yr 11/12 School Leaders to share their memories of Yr 7, their journey over the last five years and how St Ignatius has shaped them into the people they are today. Their lasting message for Yr 7s was to take up opportunities on offer, be grateful for the experiences and to get involved in school life beyond the classroom. It was wonderful to have them warmly welcome the Yr 7s and encourage our youngest students to seek these leaders out in the yard on our return if they ever needed any help. The other evening activities were games and a film, both of which were fun, before heading to bed. We all slept well despite the chilly nights and the food was terrific, particularly the chicken rice and garlic bread. Before long, Fri quickly came around and our camp experience drew to a memorable close.
Students are to be commended on the exemplary manner in which they participated in this camp experience. They were kind to each other, showed superb manners in the dining room, followed the expectations around bedtime and just had a really great time. It was a joy to be around them and watch them have fun! Most importantly, it was affirming to see them reach out to new people and welcome them into a group, fulfilling our camp theme of “New Beginnings, New Opportunities “. Huge thank you to staff for caring for our students and ensuring they had the best experience possible. We know you had to leave your own families behind and are very grateful for your involvement. It is this generosity and commitment that enables the camps to run and to do so without any hiccups. Special acknowledgement to Ms Anderton, Assistant Level Coordinator, who was instrumental in organising the bunk rooms and activity groups, and to Ms Jackson/Ms Doble, our First-Aid Officers, whose thoroughness and competence in managing all medical issues meant students were always well cared for. To Mr Exton, Mr Lewis and Mr Timms, we thank you for coming to visit and meeting the newest additions to our College Community. It was lovely for the Yr 7 students to get to know you in this relaxed setting.
We will continue to develop the Ignatian spirit of courage, hope and compassion that was so frequently on display at camp and which is such an integral part of our identity. Thanks to parents for embracing the camp experience and to our students for their enthusiasm, great attitude and friendliness. You were phenomenal!
Deb Hodge
Yr 7 YLC
Here are some memories of camp from our SRC & Ignatian Leaders.
“Year 7 Camp in Anglesea was a blast! It was a great opportunity to make new friends and to strengthen existing friendships. There was a wide range of super fun and engaging activities that tired us out during the day, such as: canoeing, the Giant Swing and mountain biking. The Games Night was a spectacular night where we participated in activities to earn our group points, such as Trivia and Baby Photos, which had us guessing who the teachers were based on their baby photos. The camp was filled with lots of laughter, fun and smiles and everyone had a great time. Thanks to the teachers who came along with us and a massive thanks to Ms Hodge and Ms Anderton for organising the camp and cabins.”
Will Santuccione- Madden
“Camp was filled with lifelong memories that I'm sure everyone who went will remember, whether that was capsizing while canoeing or playing Gaga with all of your friends.
The giant swing was perfect for those people who were looking for a good scare. It took you up 18 meters and then dropped you.
I also participated in Radio Rogaine; the main idea of radio was to find a yellow sign that had a number and a letter, and then you would contact the base and say something like “IDK to base IDK to base, do you copy? Go ahead IDK We have found 6 November”. We also got to learn the Phonetic alphabet.
We had an amazing welcoming dinner on the first night and got to dress up as a mighty Hero or evil Villain whilst participating in activities like charades, trivia, or a group chant. Next morning, my group did mountain bike riding, which was definitely for the strong. After this, it was the vertical challenge, which was the tallest structure at camp. It was a massive obstacle course that you climbed, including a tyre climb and a ladder climb.
For the water activities, we did canoeing in the estuary and had to build a hopefully floating raft. If you were lucky (I was not) you would not capsize, otherwise you would end up drenched.
That night we watched an episode of Wallace and Gromit, then it was off to bed.
The last two activities were Archery and Crate climbing. Archery was a fun experience and probably one of my top three favourite activities. We played a few games with the bow and arrow.
Then we had Crate climbing which was exactly as it sounds. You would have 12 crates that you would have to climb and stack without falling of. There was a harness, of course.
After that fun camp, I am very much looking forward to the future of my Year 7 experience. I would like to really thank Mrs Anderton and Ms Hodge, as well as the teachers who attended camp, for making it possible. Without them, I wouldn't have had such a great experience! I would also like to thank the YMCA camp staff as they worked hard to make everyone's experience an amazing one.”
Ruby Cadwallander
“Year 7 camp was an unforgettable experience; from the moment we got there, the air
buzzed with excitement and nervousness. From trying new activities, like raft building
and team building games, to hanging out with friends on movie night, it was all incredible. There was even a little late night chit chat.
Camp is a thing I would never miss because of the friendships I built and the strengthening of existing friendships.
After coming back from camp, I wish I could go back. I loved it so much and I’mvery excited to go on my next one.”
Jade Dalton
“My camp experience was heaps of fun! There were so many activities to do and that helped us work on our teamwork, collaboration and commitment. We were learning new things along the way without even knowing it. The Giant Swing was by far my favourite because the whole time we were doing something, whether it was pulling the rope to make the person go higher in the air, or you were the person being pulled up on the Giant Swing. Everyone showed a lot of bravery and courage when they were a part of that activity.
The food was beautiful and well put together; every meal we had was delicious and made me want seconds. I’m not going to lie, I think I had about 20 apples a day at camp; I kept going back for more because they were so good! I’d like to express my appreciation to the teachers and YMCA staff for making the camp possible. I’m so glad I went to camp!”
Alice Dodds
“On April 29, the Year 7s split into two groups to go on camp. I was on camp one, and so we headed off to Anglesea first. The camp was spectacular. Some activities were challenge by choice which meant you could choose how far you wanted to push yourself. I pushed myself harder than usual and had the best time. I mainly enjoyed it because I had an encouraging group by my side for every activity and loved the compliments of how brave I was. Overall, the camp was awesome with the new friendships I made and the new experiences I had!”
Ellie Rundle
On Tuesday the 21st of May, a group of students including myself, has the opportunity to participate in the Victorian Schools Secondary Parliamentary Convention. It was a day in which we got to experience the democratic process and participate in the parliamentary processes that are used when passing a bill (proposed law). It was an amazing experience that really opened my eyes to the world of politics, especially being able to be there and sit in the Legislative Assembly just like the real politicians do. The day was situated around the “bill” that was being put forward to the house. Should social media platforms be held responsible for the spread of misinformation and fake news? The day started with the 12 schools presenting an opening statement on their view and position on the issue. It was then that we delved into the facts thanks to two wonderful keynote speakers before dividing up and beginning to debate and break down the topic in a student parliament before a vote was held. I was in my element as I presented my views and broke down others' arguments. This was a really great experience for me on the whole and I could not be more grateful for having been a part of it.
Reuben Cook (Yr 9)
On Monday, students from the Year 10 Business Management classes completed their $20.00 Boss Enterprise project at lunchtime on the basketball courts.
The project started in Term 1 after the classes visited a successful local business, Tuckerberry Hill Farm. There they heard from owner/operator, Chris on the challenges and complexities involved with running a small business from Marketing/Advertising, Operations, Quality Control, Pricing and Sales.
Students were then divided into groups and each group decided on a Business. Types of Businesses included, Hot Chocolates, Spida’s, Loaded Fries, Rocky Road, Homemade Hamburgers and Cupcakes. With a small investment of $20.00 for each student, it was now up to them to create, plan and run their own business with students taking on responsibilities such as an Operations Manager, Marketing Manager, Sales Manager, Finance / Legal Manager and General Manager
Each unique business managed their own stall on the day, demonstrating excellent Employability Skills such as Leadership, Team Work, Problem Solving, Time Management and Communication.
After the investment was paid back, students raised over $400.00 in profit which will be donated to charity.
Well done students.
This week parents/carers of students in Years 9-12 enjoyed an informative 'Careers Panel & Expo' in the new MacKillop Senior Centre. The Centre was buzzing with attendees gaining information from the workshops, Careers Panels and Careers Expo.
Saint Ignatius College would like to thank all families that attended, and the College Alumni, and senior staff for without whom the evening could not be possible.
Kirsty Allan | Director of Senior School
Robyn Jackson | Director of Learning
Elana Cole | Director of Community Engagement and Development
Saint Ignatius College is delighted to welcome our College Community to our Men's Health Week Community Evening on Wednesday June 12th, as we host 2 time Olympian, Kieren Perkins OAM OLY.
The evening will commence with light refreshments from 6pm, with the main address starting at 6.30pm.Whilst this companion evening is free to attend, guests are encouraged to register their attendance via this link (link in bio) https://www.trybooking.com/CQZDR
We look forward to welcoming our community to this exciting, engaging, and informative evening.