Schools roll out new tools to address social media and screen time

NEW mental health resources are being rolled out in Victorian secondary schools to help students, teachers and parents navigate the impacts of social media and screen time.

The ScrollSafe resources, developed by youth mental health organisation Orygen, are designed to support students to look after their mental health and stay safe online.

A dedicated online hub provides practical guidance through a 10 tips guide, supported by a student booklet, take-home flyer and digital wellbeing plan to help young people manage their time online.

The resources are also intended to support teachers in having conversations with students about social media use and youth mental health.

Parents and carers are provided with separate resources, including clear information, videos and tips to help families discuss online safety, social media and mental wellbeing.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll welcomed the rollout.

“We’re making sure every young person has the tools to navigate social media safety and confidently, with support from their teachers, families and school community,” he said.

“Our record investment in student mental health is delivering real results and we are supporting a new generation of mentally healthy students that are also great learning students.”

The ScrollSafe resources build on existing wellbeing and digital literacy programs, are optional for schools and do not introduce any new requirements.