Year 7 students are busy with the activities of Term 2. It’s wonderful to see many of them trying out for sports teams and participating in various other offerings at the college. The more involved a student is, the more connected they feel.

A positive digital footprint: Social Media

Social media offers numerous benefits for adolescents, helping them connect with friends and peers. However, concerns persist about the dangers associated with young people engaging on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube, and various gaming sites, where they can encounter cyberbullying, harassment, privacy breaches, sexting and sexual predators.

Despite these risks, there are substantial advantages for adolescents in connecting through social media. Research indicates that social networking can significantly enhance young people’s development and well-being.

Adolescence typically begins around ages 12 to 14, a time marked by significant brain development. During these years, young people seek more independence, spend more time with friends, and less with parents. Peers increasingly influence their choices, behaviours, and attitudes, impacting everything from fashion to music preferences. Adolescents also start to see their parents through a more adult lens, often leading to feelings of embarrassment and withdrawal—a natural part of their journey to adulthood.

Social Media’s Role

Social media is an extension of real-world interactions, crucial for adolescents to form friendships and connect with others. For many young people, the online and offline worlds are indistinguishable. Early adolescence sees social media as essential for socialising and connecting with peers. It aids in identity formation, allowing young people to communicate and engage through shared interests, stay updated with school events, and explore social and romantic interactions.

Adolescents also create and share content, documenting their lives through photos and posts—something previous generations did with physical albums. Social media helps them develop real-world skills, such as managing their online presence and collaborating in teams.

Staying Safe Online

Adolescents’ brains continue to develop, making it challenging for them to foresee the consequences of their actions. Parents must educate, monitor and protect their children regarding cyber safety, teaching them to use the internet responsibly, just as they would teach swimming or road safety.

Unfortunately, many parents find cyber safety daunting. The government’s Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner is a fabulous resource for parents. It provides information and strategies on assisting students to develop a positive digital footprint.

Leah Cristiano

Year 7 Level Leader