Spot Focus: Being Tech Savvy

Mobile Phone Anxiety

Many families today are grappling with the challenge of managing mobile phone separation anxiety in their children. The debate over banning mobile phones in schools has gained global traction, including in Australia, where many schools have already enforced strict bans during school hours.

It’s essential to address the issue of phone addiction openly and engage in discussions about its potential harms. Parents and caregivers can play a pivotal role by employing strategies to mitigate the impact of these bans while safeguarding their child’s mental health and well-being. Maintaining open communication with schools is crucial; staying informed and collaborating with educators can help develop effective strategies for supporting children during this transition.

Though managing mobile phone separation anxiety is challenging, school bans on phones can lead to a more focused learning environment, reducing distractions and interruptions. The evidence of improved academic performance, coupled with the need to address the adverse effects of excessive phone use, underscores the importance of parental involvement in fostering healthy phone habits and supporting children through this adjustment.

Internet Addiction

The internet offers children and teenagers a wealth of opportunities for learning, communication and entertainment. However, a growing number of Australian parents are increasingly concerned about the excessive time their children spend online.

Today’s youth are pioneers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Unfortunately, many parents feel excluded from this world, often unsure of what their children are doing or understanding the online environment.

It’s essential for parents to not only monitor their children’s online activities but also to keep track of how much time they spend on the internet. Many online games come with parental control features, yet these tools are not always utilised. Instead of banning internet use, a more effective approach is to grant children access while staying informed, setting clear rules and providing supervision.

Leah Cristiano

Year 7 Level Leader