Navigating the Digital World
At Calvin, we are deeply committed to the well-being and development of our students.
As educators and parents, we must be vigilant in how we support our children and help them make wise choices when using technology and social media. While social media can seem like a fun way to connect with friends and share experiences, it’s important to remember that there are age restrictions and expectations of etiquette and accountability on these platforms for a reason. Early entry and misuse of these platforms can have serious and lasting impacts on children’s mental, emotional, social and spiritual health.
Social media is designed to attract attention, often exposing children to content that is inappropriate for their age. Social media regulators set age limits for a purpose: to ensure that the content shared on these platforms is suitable for the user. For example, many social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok require users to be at least 13 years old (effectively saying these platforms are not suitable for Primary School children). This is because these platforms can expose users to harmful or inappropriate content, such as violence, strong language, strangers, or unrealistic expectations about beauty and success. As a Christian community, we want to ensure our students are filling their hearts and minds with things that are pure, kind, and positive (Philippians 4:8). The content on social media can make it difficult to focus on these qualities.
Additionally, the emotional impact of social media can be significant. Children who are not emotionally mature may struggle with cyberbullying or feel anxious about not receiving enough attention or validation online. These experiences can lead to increased feelings of loneliness, depression, and isolation. The constant need for approval through likes and comments can create a false sense of self-worth, which may be damaging in the long term.
Social media can also take away from time spent developing important life skills—like building meaningful friendships, spending time with family, and growing in faith. Instead of nurturing their relationship with God and others, children can become distracted by online trends and digital relationships.
“The impact of misusing social media or engaging too early can be harmful...”
As a school, we strongly encourage our students to wait until they are of the appropriate age to use social media and then when old enough, putting in appropriate boundaries to support positive experiences and well-being. The impact of misusing social media or engaging too early can be harmful, and we believe it is crucial to protect our children from these dangers to help them grow in a safe, healthy, and spiritually nurturing environment.
As part of our Primary School curriculum this year, we are introducing a program called Be Internet Awesome. The program encourages students to be Sharp, Alert, Secure, Kind & Brave in the online environment. As a staff, we have studied the curriculum and included appropriate Bible verses and Christian perspectives when teaching this program. Information can be found at the following link:
Be Internet Awesome
Parents and teachers play an important role in guiding children through their social media use. We encourage families to have open discussions about which platforms are appropriate for their age and to set healthy limits on screen time. Below is a range of articles and information about supporting and safeguarding your children online.
Teaching kids to be smart about social media - Nemours KidsHealth
Keeping Your Student Safe on Social Media: A Guide for Parents - Southwest Florida Christian Academy
How to help your teen navigate social media - UNICEF Australia
How to talk to your kids about social media - Digital Health by Bupa
Tips to control your child’s social media - Focus on the family
Smartphones and social media fact sheet - Nip in the Bud
Parental Controls - eSafety Commissioner
Helping to ensure every child can thrive - Life Ed Australia
If students feel unsure about what they are seeing online, we encourage them to speak with a trusted adult. It is essential that students know they can turn to their parents, teachers, or school staff for advice and support.
By respecting age restrictions and using social media responsibly, our students can enjoy the benefits of technology without the risks. Together, we can help our students grow in ways that honour God, protect their hearts, and strengthen their relationships with others. Let’s keep supporting one another as we teach our students to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Andrew Nash - Head of Primary
