PARENT EDUCATION Lessons for everyone
Some punchy, challenging Parent Education evenings have attracted large audiences in recent months, clearly demonstrating how interested our community is in contemporary society and the issues young people, in particular, face.
Comedian turned mental health advocate Mike King, clinical psychologist Dr Sarah Anticich, founder and director of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia Paul Dillon, and one of Australia’s highest profile psychologists and founder of SchoolTV Dr Michael Carr-Gregg all shared their wisdom in sessions that covered everything from technology to drugs, mental health to understanding the teenager’s brain. All of it was soaked up by the audiences, who were often challenged by the ideas, but made very aware that their children are picking up their values, beliefs, mindsets and attitudes from them everyday, as well as from the internet and social media, peer groups and friends.
Comedian turned wellness campaigner Mike King shared his experiences of mental illness and addiction and his insights into the problems faced by young people, removing the stigma around mental health issues and promoting the message that it is okay to ask for help. He championed a whole school, community-wide approach to wellbeing, sharing ideas about how young people can be empowered to help them develop resilience and live happy and productive lives. Dr Sarah Anticich delved into the changes happening to young people during this important developmental period and described the “work” of the adolescent as testing boundaries, exploring what is unknown and exciting, and setting the stage for the development of core character traits that will allow them to flourish.
Paul Dillon has spoken to College parents before, but was – as ever – equally compelling as he spelled out the risks of alcohol and drug use, particularly in young adolescents. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg looked at how the evolution and exponential growth of technology has had a huge impact on our lives. He pointed out that although there are many downsides to our increasing reliance on technology, it also has the potential to transform our lives for the better, recommending apps, websites, books and biometric devices that can be used to enhance both adolescent and adult wellbeing. Inviting thought-provoking, informative guest speakers to College is an important part of our wider educative role, so watch this space!
College Issue 37 2019
49
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker