Mobile phones and computers, followed by the internet and smartphones, changed all of that. In 1984 I could have rung my local radio 2GO on the Central Coast and asked them to broadcast on their evening show that Jarrod G. from Terrigal was a nasty bleep, but they would have laughed me off the phone. I could have asked the Gosford Star newspaper to publish an article outlining what my friends and I thought of Hayden K and his entire family, and they would have refused. Spreading scandal around as a school kid still happened, of course, but it was hard work to get traction, was quite restricted and was much harder to make anonymous.
Your children today have access not just to the equivalent of a local newspaper and radio station but technologies that can spread information as wide and far as the largest global media networks. A harsh word on the bus can now be broadcast to entire school populations and beyond and can also include pictures, sound and video footage.
In recent times I have noticed a significant increase in students using social media platforms to make hurtful and ungodly assertions towards others (and sometimes also towards teachers). This is mainly happening outside of school hours, off the school site, and using non-school devices.
I am sure you know this, but the staff and I cannot possibly control what hundreds of young people are saying and doing to each other in the evenings and weekends, using mobile phones that have been bought for them with what I am sure are the best intentions. But the effect of these interactions resonates into the school day, as I know it also affects your family lives and the wellbeing of your children.
Can I encourage you in your God-given position of responsibility to actively guide and raise your children. The secular world wants to replace you with a distorted version of truth and meaning – I urge you to be active in their lives and not be afraid to establish boundaries. There are so many voices speaking into your child’s lives, with so much advice not in their best interests – be the loving and steadfast voice that truly cares by being willing to take a stand against the messages of the world.
I realise the complex and difficult task that it is to parent children wisely in the 21st century (believe me I do!). I know you want to do the right thing and that you are looking for answers and assistance. As a school we want to support you as partners in this endeavour. We can do this best through a proactive approach, working with our student cohorts to raise awareness of how to behave appropriately online and what you can do if you are a victim of such behaviour. We are also considering ways to partner with you so that we can engage this issue together. Next term, as part of our “Learning Together” series, we will be hosting an evening on Digital Parenting led by Chris Parker, an experienced Christian educator and presenter in this area. Can I encourage you to come along to this event.
The hearts and souls of our children and young people are under attack by the forces of the world, but our God can do all things, and his purposes will not be thwarted. (Job 42:2). May we: parents and educators, hold firm to the teaching and training of our young people so that we and our children can say with confidence the words of the Psalmist: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19)
Mr David Stonestreet
Principal
