TECHNOLOGY AND WELLBEING

Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health

The concept, notion and understanding of wellbeing has not only taken off since COVID, but has also taken various shapes and forms, depending on who you speak to and lens to which you choose to look through. At Lighthouse Christian College, we view and approach student wellbeing holistically where different major spheres (social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual) interrelate with each other. We aim to assist parents and families with tools and hope to provide opportunities to network with other families - how to manage and look after they child/ren’s wellbeing outside of school and at home.

Social Media is prevalent and significantly influences everybody’s daily routines, lifestyle and understanding of the world we live in. In turn this impacts and shapes how we think, what we choose to believe, and our identity and purpose here on Earth. Christ is our Firm Foundation here at Lighthouse Christian College, our identity is built upon Jesus, and our faith in Him should not be compromised nor swayed by progressive movement of the world, no matter what popular opinions may gravitate towards. Trends on social media change more frequently than the weather in Melbourne, and unlike God’s truth that remains constant, will continue to change. Because of this we must heed the advice from Paul in Romans 12:2 – ‘Do not conform the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will.’

Social Media is a powerful platform that promotes free speech and individualism, where anyone has the ability to express who they are, however they want, whenever they want. This flood of online content creation leads to excessive, uncontrollable, and unfiltered digital degustation which has cultivated a vast diversity of cultures and sub-cultures amongst nations around the world. People can find themselves in constant tension of wanting to belong to a community, and at the same time want to be seen as unique. Unending self-comparison to others (such as friends and celebrities) become their way to determine whether they have attained their goal and fulfilled the criteria of who they believe they are or supposed to become. Unfortunately, as the world continues to change, their understanding and beliefs also shift with the wind. However, God, His Word, His Love, His Grace, His Mercy – never changes and never falters.

There are numerous studies and statistical data that address the danger and impact of social media on mental health. These include cases of anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, distraction, and addiction just to name a few. It is because of these risk factors, it is in our best interest to be proactive, engage and learn what, how, where, when and who our children are engaging with online. Not only are our bodies the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 6:19-20) and we ought to look after our bodies, but also to guard and protect ourselves via putting on the armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). As parents, guardians and educators, it is our duty to mentor and disciple our children and students, in order to train them in the way he or she should go, and so that when they get become adults, they do not sway from what is righteous and God honouring (Proverbs 22:6).

One of the online platforms all parents and guardians are encouraged to engage with the College staff, teachers, and leaders – is through our Learning Management System, SEQTA. This is our primary mode of communication to all students and families, to provide important updates, information, and reminders of everything that is happening here at Lighthouse Christian College. Your child’s academic progress is accessible through SEQTA and any pastoral, wellbeing and behavioural concerns/commendations are also communicated via this platform. Therefore, we strongly encourage all parents and guardians to download/install the app ‘SEQTA Engage’ and login using your parent credentials that has been provided by the College (IT Department). Please refer to the following link (which is found on our school website) that will assist you with, not only knowing how to install the app through the Google Play or Apple App Stores, but also navigating around SEQTA Engage so you can become familiar with all its features. https://www.lighthouse.vic.edu.au/navigating-seqta-resource/

Any inquiries regarding Student Wellbeing – please refer to the LCC Wellbeing Hub (located on SEQTA Splash Page) where you will find various wellbeing resources as well as contacts to the Wellbeing Team. Please contact the college to be directed to the IT Dept ifyou have misplaced or forgotten your Parent SEQTA credentials, to log in and access SEQTA Parent Portal.

Joseph Kan

Head of Student Wellbeing (Secondary)

Head of Innovation & Technology