Unplugged: Protecting Childhood in a Digital Age

As we begin Term 4, I’d like to revisit a topic that I touched on in my Welcome to Term 4 letter to families – one that’s more relevant than ever in today’s world. Over the break, I had the chance to read Jonathan Haidt’s the Anxious Generation, a deeply insightful book that highlights the significant impact social media and technology are having on our children. Haidt’s research paints a concerning picture, and it’s clear that we, as educators and parents, need to take collective action in safeguarding our children’s development.

A particular quote from Haidt’s book resonates with me: ‘The evidence that phones in pockets interfere with learning is now so clear that in August 2023, UNESCO (the United National Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) issued a report that addressed the adverse effects that digital technologies, and phones in particular, are having on education around the world.’ As educators, we’ve long observed the distractions phones bring into the classroom. That’s why in our Junior School, we’ve already taken the first step in banning mobile phones and smartwatches during school hours.

This week is Digital Citizenship Week, a timely reminder of the importance of teaching our students how to navigate the online world responsibly. With recent legislative changes aimed at raising the minimum age for social media accessing and tightening security for young users, there’s growing recognition that children are accessing platforms far too young, with little understanding of the potential risks. While these changes are positive steps, we cannot afford to wait for legislation to take full effect. The research on the adverse effects of social media on the developing brain is too compelling to ignore.

Studies have shown that excessive social media use can lead to anxiety, depression and disrupted sleep patterns in children and teens. Moreover, the constant comparison culture promoted by these platforms can significantly damage a young person’s self-esteem. Recent data the School has collected through the Resilient Youth Survey sadly reinforces this research, highlighting an increase in reported feelings of low self-esteem among our students, particularly in the upper primary years. This concerning data only strengthens our resolve to address the issue with urgency.

At Carey, we are fortunate to have parents who are deeply engaged in their children’s education. I know many parents are concerned about the influence of social media on their child’s wellbeing but there’s often hesitation in taking action. One of the greatest concerns I hear from parents is that banning social media will leave their child feeling socially isolated from their peers. This is a valid concern, but one we can address together. The key to impacting change is a collective effort from both home and school, working in partnership to support our children.

I firmly believe that we have a responsibility to renormalise and protect our children’s childhood. As Haidt suggests, we need to move away from phone-based childhoods and encourage activities that foster creativity and connections in the real world. Play-based imaginative experiences are crucial for children’s social and emotional development.

That’s why I am excited to announce a special online parent forum on the evening of Wednesday 30 October, where we will begin a movement to ‘unplug’ our children from social media. I will be joining our Principal, Mr Walter, and Leah Annetta, one of our long-standing Carey parents, who currently has a child in Year 11 (one of our 2025 School Captains) and in Year 3 to discuss this important issue. Leah has seen firsthand the changing dynamics between her children, shaped by their different relationships with technology, and she’ll share her valuable insights.

I encourage you to mark this important date in your calendar. More details will follow soon, and we look forward to having you join us for this essential conversation.

We’re in this together, and together, we can make a difference.

Kylie Baxter
Head of Junior School Kew