Creating and keeping great relationships

We live in a world that is crowded with social media platforms. These are being accessed by young people constantly. At times teachers have information brought to their attention about the actions of students when using social media. The crucial information at a school level for further action is to ascertain; is the online behaviour impacting on the child’s education and life at school? An educational institution often is not able to come up with a solution or outcome. It therefore is important for us all to continue to promote positive relationships and interactions within the College and wider community.

The Middle Years Assembly recently was conducted as a Q and A. We had guest speakers who focused on the building of relationships and the importance of this in adolescence, however we also discussed the repercussions of deliberately creating negative interactions. Senior Constable Dan O’Hara from the Dalby Police talked about the social rights of people and how these can be undermined by the inappropriate use of social media. He also outlined that Australia’s laws take a very strong stance when it comes to harassing and intimidating behaviours online.

In further research as to how Australia’s laws have been reviewed, I accessed the ACORN (Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network) https://www.acorn.gov.au/ which made for very interesting reading. The divide between the idea that I can do something and then say, “I didn’t mean it” or “I was only joking,” and “Under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) it is an offence to use the internet, social media or a telephone to menace, harass or cause offence. The maximum penalty for this offence is three years imprisonment or a fine of more than $30,000.” (ACORN.gov.au) is quite remarkable.

Parents may at times see a change in their child. When they try to have a conversation, their child will often keep the problem to themselves for fear of retribution if action takes place. If the child does outline how they have been targeted on social media the dilemma is “what do we do?” Unfortunately, these types of behaviours often seem difficult to substantiate. However, as our IT expert Mr Alikutty outlined on Monday a person’s digital footprint can be traced if the need arises. Parents and children can take screen shots of offensive posts. The important thought here is to keep the data somehow. The evidence of the behaviour is the key to making it stop.

There have been a number of cases in the media recently where the use of digital platforms negatively, have ended up in the nations courts. People are starting to speak out and protect themselves from online harassment. The ultimate option for parents could be, “You can report serious cyber-bullying or stalking behaviour to the ACORN if the conduct is intended to make you (or the victim you are reporting on behalf of) feel fearful, uncomfortable, offended or harassed.” (ACORN.gov.au). If this happens, will we actually be aware of the way in which our children interact on social media? With the outcomes possible it is crucial that parents know the content that is housed on the likes of Facebook and Instagram on their children’s devices.

Mr Lincoln and Mrs Brennan discussed with the Middle Years students the importance of positive relationships as part of our ongoing development into our adult years. The active living of our Christian Values impacts on our whole community in a positive way. The place for harassment is no longer acceptable in our society. Behaviours that in our history have been overlooked are now front and centre in the community. We can no longer tolerate these types of antisocial relationships. It however is up to all of us to change the attitude of some to protect us all.

In a solutions based environment we will continue to monitor student interactions. Students will be asked to complete a survey which will focus on fostering positive relationships within the College and wider community. If we continue to make this a focus we will find that it will impact in many areas of College life. If you have any questions or would like further links to information please contact me at the College.

Steve Gillespie.

Assistant Principal Middle Years