Tech Smart

Tech Smart A GUIDE FOR FAMILIES

CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE IGNATIUS ALLIANCE

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Contents TECH SMART Navigating the Digital Age Together

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Introduction 5 Tech Smart School 6 PARENT RESOURCE Screen Time 8 Social Media 11 Social Media and Body Image

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Gaming 14 Online Safety 15 LEARN MORE Further Information 16 Watch our Tech Smart Symposium

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Together We Can 18 About the Ignatius Alliance 19

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TECH SMART

Navigating the Digital Age Together

At Saint Ignatius’ College, we are deeply committed to supporting families in navigating the complexities of raising children in a digital age. As technology continues to shape the way young people learn, connect, and grow, it’s more important than ever that we approach its use with intention, balance, and care.

Digital tools offer extraordinary opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and access to information. Yet, we are also acutely aware of the challenges they can present. Reduced attention, concerns around screen time and wellbeing, and issues related to online safety are all part of the broader picture we must consider.

Across Australia, recent discussions around social media reform have brought renewed focus to the role of technology in young people’s lives. These national conversations are an important reminder that we, as educators and parents, share the responsibility of helping children build healthy digital habits, both through education and role modelling.

Through our ongoing programs and initiatives, the College is proud to support families with the knowledge and confidence to guide our students in making thoughtful choices online. By working together, we can nurture a digital culture that supports learning, connection, and wellbeing, now and into the future.

Thank you for your continued partnership in this important work.

Lauren Brooks Principal

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TECH SMART

Introduction Experts suggest that the rise of unregulated social media and digital device use has been one of the key factors contributing to the decline in youth mental health across the globe.

Research shows that too much social media and device use, especially while the brain is still developing, can affect attention, memory, information processing, emotions, and overall thinking. It may also contribute to higher anxiety, depression, and sleep problems due to constant stimulation, fear of missing out, and social comparison. Technology has a complex impact on brain development, and excessive use could even change how the brain is structured.

Delaying access to devices and social media can support healthy development in children and adolescents. It encourages stronger in-person relationships, fosters cognitive and language growth, reduces the risk of cyberbullying and harassment, and promotes greater participation in beneficial activities like art and outdoor play. This approach is supported by the Australian Government’s legislation, which sets a minimum age of 16 for social media use starting in late 2025, helping parents delay their children’s access by aligning family decisions with national policy.

Delaying access to devices and social media can support healthy development in children and adolescents.

How screens and social media can become addictive Dr Danielle Einstein explains that dopamine is a chemical in your brain that’s often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter because it helps regulate feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward.

The connection between phone use and dopamine comes from how our brains respond to notifications and rewards from our devices. When you get a new message, ‘like’, or notification, your brain releases dopamine, which makes you feel good and motivated to keep checking your phone. This is similar to how other pleasurable activities, like eating your favourite food or winning a game, can trigger dopamine.

Because phones are designed to give us frequent rewards (like notifications, social media interactions, and even the anticipation of new content), they can create a cycle where your brain starts craving those dopamine hits. This can lead to addictive behaviour, where you feel the need to check your phone constantly, even if you’re not consciously aware of it. Over time, this pattern can become hard to break, as your brain becomes used to the constant flow of dopamine.

In short, phone use can become addictive because the sporadic feedback loop of rewards (like notifications and likes) triggers dopamine, making us want to use our phones more to keep experiencing that pleasurable feeling.

At Saint Ignatius’ College, we are committed to forging a path that helps every member of our community use technology with purpose and intention, where it enhances learning, connection, and creativity, rather than compromising wellbeing and healthy development. That journey begins with education and is strengthened through practical strategies and shared initiatives.

This document is intended as a support resource for families seeking guidance around social media and device use. It has been prepared in partnership with the College’s Ignatius Alliance parent steering committee and endorsed by our Tech Smart panel of experts: Dr Simon Wilksch, a clinical psychologist and researcher specialising in eating disorders, body image, and youth mental health; Dr Danielle Einstein, a clinical psychologist and researcher, specialising in anxiety, emotional regulation, and the impact of technology on mental health; and Madhavi Nawana Parker, educator, author, and speaker who specialises in social-emotional learning, wellbeing, and positive psychology.

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OUR VISIONARY APPROACH

Tech Smart School

Saint Ignatius’ College is embracing the future courageously and intentionally.

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TECH SMART

Tech Smart School Our signature model embeds intentional use of technology into the curriculum from Reception to Year 12.

Saint Ignatius’ College has observed, experienced, and reflected on the growing dominance of digital technology in education, and now, we are questioning its true impact. As technology races ahead in a manner that is unprecedented and untested, we will not continue to follow blindly.

Developed right here at the College, Tech Smart School marks a new era in how learning is designed, delivered, and experienced. It ensures that decisions around technology remain student-centred, supporting meaningful learning while nurturing wellbeing.

This model has been shaped through extensive consultation with staff, parents, and students.

The Tech Smart School Model Reception to Year 3: No personal digital devices.

Years 4 to 6: A limit to 60 minutes of personal digital device use per day.

Years 7 to 9: In each subject, approximately 50% of learning activities and assessments throughout the year will be completed without the use of digital technology.

Years 10 to 12: Continued Tech Smart approach wherever possible, with subject-based discretion.

Exemptions apply for media, design, and technology subjects, inclusion support, and extenuating circumstances.

What Are the Benefits?

Tech Smart School ensures that no matter what the future holds, Saint Ignatius’ College will always be an environment that promotes: •

Excellent interpersonal skills and social connections

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Deep critical and creative thinking skills

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A strong ability to focus and retain information

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The development of solid learning foundations

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Healthy tech-life balance and wellbeing

Our future-ready Ignatians will move confidently between digital and human worlds, embracing innovation while staying grounded in what truly nurtures the human spirit.

We have always been committed to providing a rich, progressive learning environment and fostering a culture of excellence. Becoming a Tech Smart School ensures this legacy not only continues, but grows - equipping students with the skills and confidence they truly need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

In parallel with this initiative; a signature, research-backed, R–12 program is being developed that educates students in cyber safety and digital literacy.

Why a Tech Smart School?

The Tech Smart School model prioritises holistic development and human excellence, ensuring that students are deeply grounded in human skills and foundational learning skills, well prepared to navigate the complexity of an increasingly digital and automated world.

We are proud to uphold our Jesuit tradition of intellectual rigour by safeguarding against an overreliance on technology. This initiative ensures that students are authentically stretched in their learning – challenged to uphold originality in their work, strengthen their creative capacity, and critically interrogate information and ideas.

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PARENT RESOURCE

Screen Time Screen time refers to the amount of time a person spends using digital devices such as televisions, computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, or video game consoles to watch content, play games, or engage with other forms of electronic media such as social media.

For children under the age of five, strong evidence shows that too much screen time can negatively affect their weight, delay motor skills and cognitive development, and impact their social and psychological wellbeing.

Dr Danielle Einstein stresses that using screens and devices to keep children still and quiet might seem like an easy solution in the moment, but there are several problems associated with relying on this strategy too often. This includes delays in the ability to calm oneself. Children learn to manage their emotions through real-life interaction, selfsoothing, and problem-solving. If a screen is always used to distract or calm them, they escalate demanding behaviour and miss out on learning these critical skills. Over time, they may struggle more with frustration, boredom, or emotional upset.

The Australian Institute of Family Studies’ 24 Hour Movement Guidelines (released in 2019) recommends: •

no screen time for children younger than two years

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no more than one hour of screen time per day for children aged two to five years. *

Sedentary screen time during early childhood can have long-term impacts on a child’s development.

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Spending long periods sedentary and using screens unsupervised can lead children to:

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develop language skills later

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have shorter attention spans, and difficulty regulating their emotions

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be less ready for school, and find it harder to learn to read

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make poorer decisions.

If you do allow screen time, it should be educational. This means watching with your child, discussing the content, and using it as a chance to help your child understand the world around them.

no more than two hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day for children and young people aged 5–17 years. This does not include screen time needed for schoolwork. *

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Excessive screen time for this age group may contribute to unhealthy diet or weight, and a range of behavioural and emotional issues, including anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and low selfesteem.

Using screens and devices to keep children still and quiet might seem like an easy solution in the moment, but there are several problems associated with relying on this strategy too often.

How to reduce your child’s screen time and access to social media effectively The new Australian law restricting social media use for under-16s, has prompted families across the country to reconsider how screens and online platforms are used at home. Whether or not your child is on social media, this article by Madhavi Nawana Parker offers practical advice for reducing screen time, setting healthy boundaries, and supporting children with empathy and connection.

Technology and social media are super stimulants that are extremely tempting to engage in. We are wired for novelty and the online world is always interesting and immediately gratifying. One of the challenges we face as adults in setting limits is that the real world can feel slow and boring compared with the online world that many young people have grown accustomed to. They may feel temporarily lost when the changes occur and it is really important to support them with empathy and compassion.

and their time in relationship with other good people.

Parents are active partners in this conversation and through connection, mutually respectful communication and compassion, children are more likely to listen and adjust to our boundaries. Parents are also role models so remember, they can’t be what they can’t see, try to audit your own technology use.

Learn to get comfortable with your child’s discomfort.

A parent’s ability to regulate their emotions is the best parenting tool available. Our ability to coregulate and support our children helps them develop emotional intelligence.

We are wired for novelty and the online world is always interesting and immediately gratifying.

Some children are more drawn to technology than others and may find it harder to step away, but overall, we need to remember our boundaries are essential. Rather than worrying mostly about how much time they are spending, look at what they are spending their time on. Not all technology is bad.

Also observe how they are impacted. Are they struggling with their mood? Are their efforts at school suffering? Are they unable to enjoy other things?

Children and teenagers do not yet have the impulse control and self-regulation skills necessary to manage this on their own and are unlikely to make consistently healthy decisions.

It can help to discuss where technology is and isn’t allowed in your home. My recommendation is never at meal times or bedrooms and ideally only at certain times of the day. The rest of the time the devices can be kept safely in a lock box or a ‘landing’ space in the house.

The biological drivers for humans that you can replace tech time with are love, language, sleep, play, movement and nutrition. Nothing beats our time in relationship with them

The biological drivers for humans that you can replace tech time with are love, language, sleep, play, movement and nutrition.

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PARENT RESOURCE

Screen Time The gift of discomfort: Why boredom and frustration matter It can feel daunting to remove screens and devices from children—especially when boredom or frustration quickly follows. But these moments are not problems to fix; they are valuable opportunities for growth.

According to experts at raisingchildren.net.au, boredom encourages creativity, independence, and problemsolving. When children are left to find their own fun, they learn to rely on their imaginations and build resilience.

Boredom also helps children explore ideas, choose activities that match their moods, and feel capable of managing their own time.

When children are left to find their own fun, they learn to rely on their imaginations and build resilience.

Similarly, frustration—while uncomfortable—is a crucial part of learning and emotional development. As parenting writer Ben Kinsey explains, frustration arises when children want a certain outcome and don’t get it. It tells them something isn’t working, and then motivates them to try again. Tolerating frustration helps children build persistence, adaptability, and emotional strength - skills they’ll carry throughout life.

Instead of rescuing children from boredom or frustration, we should gently guide them through it.

Kinsey suggests: •

Labelling the emotion: “You’re feeling frustrated - it’s tough when things don’t go how you want.”

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Staying close without fixing: Let them know you’re there, but don’t step in to solve it.

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Reflecting on past wins: Remind them of challenges they’ve overcome before.

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Using everyday moments: Homework, board games, and learning new skills are great natural chances to build resilience.

When screens are turned off, children are gifted the chance to build independence, emotional regulation, resilience, and creativity. In the end, taking screens away isn’t about punishment; it’s about growth and giving them the tools they need to thrive.

Tolerating frustration helps children build persistence, adaptability, and emotional strength - skills they’ll carry throughout life.

In Australia, Dr Danielle Einstein explained to the Senate Inquiry and decision makers that social media should not be viewed as an effective mechanism for delivering mental health benefits to children under 16 years of age. Links to these detailed descriptions are provided in our resources.

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PARENT RESOURCE

Social Media What Snapchat reveals about the dangers of social media for kids Adapted from the article Snapchat is Harming Children at an Industrial Scale by Jonathan Haidt and Zach Rausch, this piece highlights the alarming impact of social media on young people.

It underscores why the Australian Government’s world-first move to regulate platforms like Snapchat was not only timely but urgently necessary to protect children’s wellbeing.

Snapchat, one of the most popular social platforms among teenagers, has come under intense scrutiny for enabling serious harm to children at an alarming scale. A recent exposé, featuring internal documents and whistleblower insights, reveals that Snap Inc. - the company behind Snapchat - has long known about these harms and has been slow or unwilling to address them meaningfully.

The Alarming Reality: 10,000+ Sextortion Reports a Month An internal Snap Inc. email disclosed during a court case revealed that the company receives about 10,000 reports of sextortion each month - and this likely represents only a small fraction of what actually occurs. The platform, which is popular with young teens and even tweens, has become a hotspot for sexual exploitation, drug trafficking, and other serious dangers.

The 5 Major Harm Clusters on Snapchat Researchers and insiders have grouped Snapchat-related harms into five key areas:

cyberbullying, often with devastating effects on teen mental health.

Company Inaction and Underage Use Snap has acknowledged many of these problems internally. Yet, millions of children under 13 still use the app, and real efforts to prevent underage use or make meaningful safety changes have been limited or ineffective.

Addictive and Problematic Use Snapchat’s design is intentionally habit-forming. Features like Snapstreaks and push notifications encourage compulsive behaviour and constant app-checking, especially harmful for developing minds and focus.

The Big Question for Parents

Drugs Teens can easily find illicit substances on Snapchat, often through connections made via the “Quick Add” feature. Some tragic teen overdoses have been linked directly to dealers contacted on the app.

If a platform connects kids with unverified strangers, it’s not safe - no matter how popular it is.

Sexual Exploitation and Abuse The platform facilitates sextortion, child sexual abuse material, and even in-person predation. One major problem is Snapchat’s disappearing messages, which make it easier for criminals to act without leaving a trace.

Cyberbullying Anonymity features, disappearing messages, and lack of oversight contribute to widespread and harmful

Would you knowingly let your child into a place where adults can anonymously approach them with drugs, explicit content, sexual content, or coercion?

The platform, which is popular with young teens and even tweens, has become a hotspot for sexual exploitation, drug trafficking, and other serious dangers.

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PARENT RESOURCE

Social Media and Body Image Body image (a combination of the thoughts and feelings that you have about your body) is ranked as one of the top concerns for young people in Australia. Research has shown that social media use is associated with increased body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.

According to Dr Simon Wilksch, a 200% increase in 10 to 14-year-olds experiencing an eating disorder over the last 12 years strongly overlaps with the rapid growth in social media use by children and ever-increasing sophistication of algorithms and other addictive features. He says that social media is highly image and video-based, giving users the message that how they look is important. Children are exposed to this at the very stage of their development when acceptance by peers is of highest importance to them. This can make them extra vulnerable to unhelpful comparisons with the content they are seeing and feeling that they need to change in order to be liked by others.

A 200% increase in 10 to 14-yearolds experiencing an eating disorder over the last 12 years strongly overlaps with the rapid growth in social media use by children and ever-increasing sophistication of algorithms and other addictive features.

Research shows that people with disordered eating receive 200 per cent more pro-eating disorder content than those who do not have a problem. Much of this content is edited with filters or even generated by AI, making it harder for children to tell what’s real and what’s not.

As a result, social media is now recognised as a key factor in the development—and recovery—of eating disorders in young people. Therapists working with adolescents say that understanding a young person’s social media habits is now a vital part of helping them heal.

Here are some helpful tips for families from the National Eating Disorders Collaboration for improving body image:

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Focus on your positive qualities, skills and talents, which can help you accept and appreciate your whole self

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Avoid negative self-talk

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Focus on appreciating and respecting what your body can do, which will help you to feel more positively about it

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Avoid comparing yourself to others, accept yourself as a whole and remember that everyone is unique

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For those using social media, unfollow or unfriend people who trigger negative body image thoughts and feelings

It is important that children can analyse what they see and feel about the world so they do not wrap their whole identity up in social media nor just be passive consumers of information.

Dr Simon Wilksch also offers this advice: for teens already using social media, encourage open conversations about their experiences. Ask them how they feel while using it and afterwards. Is there any content they’re seeing that affects them? Make sure they know they can always come to you with any concerns, no matter what they are.

He also encourages parents to avoid comments on the appearance of others, including comments about their own body. Similarly, he encourages parents to minimise discussion about food and exercise, particularly around their impact on weight. These recommendations are to help reduce the importance young people place on body shape and weight. He instead recommends focusing on strengths in other areas such as personal qualities, relationships, school work and other talents.

Teaching our children to be independent, critical thinkers Dr Kim Burley, communication and media researcher and educator, emphasises that our children should grow up to have a strong sense of their own values and beliefs.

The more opportunities we can give our children to gain confidence in engaging in real world conversations in a range of situations, the more they can build on these skills that will help them in future. This will give them the best possible chances to become critical thinkers. She says it is important that children can analyse what they see and feel about the world so they do not wrap their whole identity up in social media nor just be passive consumers of information.

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PARENT RESOURCE

Gaming A pathological gamer refers to someone who plays video games in a way that’s harmful or compulsive for a period of time - essentially, gaming to the point where it takes priority over daily activities and other life interests.

According to Dr Danielle Einstein, when it comes to gaming addiction, prevention is essential. Between 1 in 8 and 1 in 10 males exhibit Internet Gaming Disorder. It also effects females. Internet Gaming Disorder makes it difficult for teenagers to make decisions, manage impulses, and think through problems. It reduces frontal lobe grey matter and has compounding effects on brain structures. It has consequences for the reach of online predators, diet, mental health, relationships, addiction, school attendance, and academic success.

To help prevent pathological gaming, Dr Danielle Einstein and Dr Judith Locke recommend taking a thoughtful, structured approach to how technology is introduced and managed in your home. They say to join your child’s games and take an interest in how their current online activities work. This will build your relationship and allow you to look for the following signs: •

Non relaxed use of games and playing in a very intense way: Listen to your child’s conversation and look at their body language while they are playing – how relaxed or intense do they appear?

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Difficulty detaching from a game: Is your child unreasonable about switching a game off in order to prioritise family meals, bedtime and other normal life demands?

Internet Gaming Disorder makes it difficult for teenagers to make decisions, manage impulses, and think through problems.

Pro social behaviours’ help protect a teenager from pathological gaming. Chores at home and general acts of helpfulness towards others are “pro social” behaviours. Dr Einstein and Dr Locke advise that chores be a requirement for daily life in your home and should be completed with regularity before parents consider any gaming access. If your child doesn’t follow your instructions, they suggest getting some parenting support or training so you feel confident and prepared before allowing any screen time. Triple P provides online parenting training for a range of ages.

Australian experts recommend that parents should be willing to limit their own screen use if their child’s gaming starts to get out of hand.

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Chores at home and general acts of helpfulness towards others are “pro social” behaviours.

Safety when gaming online Online gaming can expose children to online predators as well as a range of exploitative advertisements. Multiplayer games often involve chatting with strangers, which opens the door to grooming or inappropriate interactions.

David Townsend, Detective Sergeant with South Australia Police, suggests that parents get involved with their children’s gaming activities. By showing interest in what they’re playing—asking questions, watching them play, or even joining in—parents can build trust and stay informed.

Children need to feel assured that they can go to their parents with anything that makes them uncomfortable.

Games that allow personal details to be shared with strangers are the biggest danger to children. Parental controls are available on most consoles and platforms and he recommends in-game chats should be turned off or restricted where possible.

PARENT RESOURCE

Online Safety According to raisingchildren.net.au there are four types of online safety risks for teenagers: Content Risks: Exposure to harmful or disturbing material such as pornography, violence, hate speech, misinformation, or harmful content related to self-harm or body image.

Contact Risks: Interaction with strangers or adults pretending to be teens, leading to online predators, scams, or requests for inappropriate photos/videos.

Conduct Risks: Engaging in or being a victim of harmful online behavior like cyberbullying, sexting, impersonation, unauthorised purchases, or excessive internet use.

Contract Risks: Unwittingly agreeing to unfair contracts or terms, leading to identity theft, scam emails, or personal data being collected and misused.

To help your child be aware of and understand online safety risks: •

Talk to them about the four types of risks.

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Be a role model for online safety and healthy screen time.

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Talk openly about your experiences online to encourage your child to do the same.

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Stay in touch with what your child is doing online and how much time they’re spending online. This will help you spot when your child might be having problems.

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Ensure your child is aware of appropriate sharing of personal information. They should never give out their name, address, images or videos of themselves, or other identifying information to people they don’t know in person. They should only accept friend requests and followers from people they know well in the real world.

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Discuss online interactions with your child to ensure they’re aware of appropriate digital behaviours and the potential consequences of cyberbullying. Extreme cases may lead to criminal charges.

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Discuss how inappropriate content and behaviour online can affect future relationships, safety, and employability.

Be a role model for online safety and healthy screen time.

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LEARN MORE

Further Information Websites eSafety Commissioner: esafety.gov.au The Heads Up Alliance: linktr.ee/theheadsupalliance The Dip: thedip.com danielleeinstein.com: danielleeinstein.com/pages/in-themedia Raising Children Network: raisingchildren.net.au National Eating Disorders Collaboration: nedc.com.au Positive Minds Australia Resources: positivemindsaustralia. com.au/free-resources/ Triple P: triplep-parenting.net.au

Publications Raising Anxiety: Why our good intentions are backfiring on children (and how to fix it), 2024, Dr Judith Locke and Dr Danielle Einstein The Dip: A practical guide to take control of screen addiction and reconnect your family. For parents of teenagers, 2019, Dr Danielle Einstein The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, 2024, Jonathan Haidt

Services Positive Minds Australia: positivemindsaustralia.com.au Advanced Psychology Services: advancedpsychology.com.au Media Smart Schools program: flinders.edu.au/engage/ community/clinics/mediasmart Headspace: headspace.org.au Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Dr Danielle Einstein - Parent Seminar: danielleeinstein.com/ products/navigating-social-media-for-parents-and-teens

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LEARN MORE

Watch our Tech Smart Symposium On 3 April 2025, Saint Ignatius’ College hosted the powerful Tech Smart symposium, bringing together experts and thought leaders from across the country to help families and educators support young people in navigating the digital world safely and responsibly. Driven by the Ignatius Alliance, the evening featured heartfelt keynote addresses, expert panels, and practical insights into digital wellbeing.

The keynote speaker, Wayne Holdsworth, founder of SmackTalk, delivered an emotional and deeply moving address about the tragic loss of his 17-year-old son, Mac, to a sextortion scam on Instagram. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas also addressed the audience, sharing how Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation and concern for his young family inspired his push for stricter social media laws.

The evening also included two expert panel discussions, hosted by journalist and Nova 919 co-host Jodie Oddy. The first featured Dr Simon Wilksch, Dr Danielle Einstein, Madhavi Nawana Parker, and Heads Up Alliance co-founder Dany Elachi. A second panel featured parents from our Ignatius Alliance steering committee: Dr Kim Burley, David Townsend, and Jane McCaffrey.

WATCH NOW: A recording of the Tech Smart symposium is available on our podcast, Ignatius Talking, on Spotify.

Keynote speaker, Wayne Holdsworth (above); speakers in first panel discussion: Jodie Oddy, Madhavi Nawana Parker, Dr Simon Wilksch, Dr Danielle Einstein, and Dany Elachi (below)

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LEARN MORE

Together We Can Further advice from Ignatius Alliance and our expert Tech Smart panel •

Delay access to social media for children until 16 years of age, in line with the Australian Government’s legislation.

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Upon introducing a phone to your child (no earlier than Year 7 is recommended), provide them a basic phone with only call or text function.

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Delay the provision of a smartphone until your child reaches 16 years of age. This will prevent them from being able to download social media apps that will be banned by the end of 2025 and other apps that are distracting and purely for recreational purposes.

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Before you give your child a phone, make a contract together that outlines the dos and don’ts. Follow through with consequences.

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Before children start using any portable device they need to show parents they are reliable. They should have some chores to complete, and complete these as well as everyday living tasks without reminders.

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Prior to buying your child their own device of any type, ensure you set up a way to have them earn some of their screen purchase.

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Do not permit devices (including TVs and gaming consoles) to be kept in your child’s bedroom overnight.

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Have a set time at night where wifi is turned off and all devices are stored in a public part of the house.

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Use security settings and parental control apps including restrictions and screentime limits and frequently monitor these especially after software updates.

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Put down your own devices as much as possible when your child is present. Do not bring them to the dinner table. Stop and give eye contact when your child is conversing with you whilst you are using a device.

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Swap blue light for natural light: too much time indoors and not enough natural light can contribute to myopia (short-sightedness), especially in children and teens.

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Encourage friendships and activities that occur in real life. Have your child volunteer with a local community group or join a sporting association.

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Encourage children to practice communicating via phone calls and face-to-face conversations, not just via text-based communication

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Watch The Social Dilemma (PG 13) as a family. This 2020 Netflix documentary explains the powerful influence

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that social media and other digital platforms have over human behaviour. It demonstrates how algorithms subtly manipulate users, especially young people.

Other films and series such as Adolescence are also thought-provoking and can stimulate important family discussions.

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Keep communicating with your children. This is not a ‘one and done’ conversation, it’s an ongoing, mutually respectful dialogue that considers both your feelings and needs, as well as your child’s.

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Reach out to other parents in your networks or communities early (when your children are still in primary school) and create your own friend alliance, agreeing to delay smartphones together with others across the cohort.

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Be compassionate to yourself as a parent. Nobody gets this stuff perfect all the time.

“Have faith in yourselves and trust your parental instincts. Your children might be grumpy with you for a little while, but they will thank you later.”

Dany Elachi Co-founder, Heads Up Alliance

About the Ignatius Alliance The Ignatius Alliance is a space for parents, staff, students, and leading experts, to collaborate on initiatives that will support our Ignatian families in navigating social media and digital technology. A dedicated steering committee of parents leads the Ignatius Alliance, shaping its direction and driving meaningful change within our community.

Saint Ignatius’ College deeply values its strong partnership with families in this vital area of student learning and wellbeing, and remains committed to working together to support our young people as they navigate the ever evolving digital world.

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