Teachers and principals share why the social media ban will help them
Educators at the coalface say the social media ban will have an overwhelmingly positive effect on schools, but also fear policing it will fall on their tired shoulders.
Teachers and principals are hopeful the incoming social media ban will lead to less behaviour management issues and more time spent teaching and learning.
From December 10, children under 16 will be restricted from accessing harmful social media sites under new laws from the Albanese government inspired by News Corp’s Let Them Be Kids campaign.
Educators say the laws will benefit schools, but some worry the responsibility for policing the ban may fall on their overworked shoulders.
Christine Harding is the principal of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College, an all-girls school in Sydney.
She said the ban will have a positive effect on her students’ wellbeing.
“In terms of wellbeing and pastoral care, this ban will stop the cyber-bullying and reduce students’ exposure to harmful content online,” Ms Harding said.
“Some of our biggest problems as an all-girls school are body image, lack of self-confidence and unrealistic expectations.
“That all stems from social media.
“I’m hoping the ban will lead to a better self-perception and confidence.
“We know that kids learn best when they are happy and confident.”
Vice principal of Padua College in southeast of Melbourne, Sam Wright, said students generally support the ban.
“I teach senior students, and they tell me they look at their younger peers and can’t believe what they’re accessing on social media,” Mr Wright said.
“The older students are able to look back, and say they agree with the ban.
“They understand algorithms and the harms of social media now.”
Mr Wright said many of the students affected by the ban express a sense of relief.
“When you chat with them one-on-one you can see their relief that the social expectations and peer pressure of social media will be alleviated.”
Australian Secondary Principals’ Association president Andy Mison said the biggest impact of the ban will be a reduction in bullying and social issues.
“We anticipate a tangible reduction in cyber-bullying and other social conflicts that happen during school hours,” Mr Mison said.
“This will make schools fundamentally safer and calmer environments for everyone.”
But Mr Mison said the biggest test for educators would be how the ban is implemented.
“School leaders are ready to champion this change, but they cannot do it alone,” he said.
“For the ban to be successful and sustainable, its implementation must be designed in partnership with principals.
“We need clear guidelines, appropriate resources, and a shared sense of responsibility between government, schools, and parents.”
One Brisbane teacher, who asked not to be named, said he feared responsibility for “policing” the ban would fall on educators shoulders.
“It will add to the overflowing cup of responsibilities that teachers now endure to police an issue that is simply not supposed to be our job,” the high school teacher said.
“Yet, we will still have to endure it.
“For most teachers, or should I say pseudo-parents, we are now tasked with trying to make sense of the ban for students.
“As usual, social elements of society are placed on teachers to educate the incredibly complex dynamic of every young person’s life.”
Teachers and principals – how is your school preparing for the ban? Reach out at education@news.com.au
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Originally published as Teachers and principals share why the social media ban will help them
