SchoolTV is an excellent resource designed for parents and schools to assist in raising happy, well and resilient youth.

Wellbeing cannot exist just in your own head. Well-being is a combination of feeling good as well as actually having meaning, good relationships and accomplishment.

Dr. Martin Seligman

SchoolTV is an online resource designed to inform, educate and empower parents, teachers and other community members about some of the challenges around raising safe, happy and resilient young people. It is a fresh approach to the growing issues and pressures faced by Australian youth.

The features of SchoolTV include video based content and leading youth research and strategies on topics such as digital reputation, sexting, screen addiction, cyberbullying, youth anxiety and self harm. Some of Australia’s leading academics, specialists and authorities in youth health and wellbeing contribute to SchoolTV, with changes to their focus monthly.

The State of Youth Mental Health

Special Report

The use of mobile phones and technology in schools has been a highly debated topic internationally, including in Australia. Almost all states and territories in Australia, have implemented full bans on mobile phones during class, recess, and lunch times, while allowing students to carry their phones during travel to and from school.

Critics argue that there is no evidence supporting the effectiveness of such bans, but this is a mischaracterisation. Studies have shown the positive impacts of mobile phone bans in schools. One study conducted in 2016, found that banning mobile phones led to an increase in student performance, with test scores improving by 6.4% of a standard deviation. Similar studies from Spain and Norway also supported these findings.

For parents concerned about mobile phone separation anxiety in their children, it is important to acknowledge it as a real issue and discuss the negative effects of phone addiction, such as sleep problems and mental health issues. Gradually introducing phone-free periods at home, setting clear expectations and boundaries and modelling healthy behaviours can help your child cope. It is also crucial to establish a support network and seek professional help if needed. Implementing mobile phone bans in schools allows for better focus on teaching and learning, minimising distractions and interruptions.

This edition of SchoolTV will help address mobile phone separation anxiety and provide guidance on supporting your child’s wellbeing during this transition period.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the College or the College Counsellor, Courtney Holmes or seek medical or professional help.

Resources

You can access all previous SchoolTV topics from the archives.

Dr Jodi Richardson – drjodirichardson.com.au (author of Anxious Kids)
Professor Lea Waters – www.leawaters.com/blog
Beyond Blue – beyondblue.org.au