Term 3, Week 7 2024
The Torch
Term 3, Week 7 2024
- Whole School Notices
- Junior School Notices
- Senior School Notices
- Sports & Co-Curricular
- Upcoming Events
- Health & Wellbeing
Foundation Day is a highlight of the annual Scotch calendar, and I know we are all looking forward to coming together to celebrate 173 years on Tuesday, 10 September. Below is important information for all parents regarding arrangements for the day; please ensure you read it carefully.
All boys in Years 10, 11 and 12 are required to attend the evening concert, of which they are an important part. There are no classes for Years 10, 11and 12 on Tuesday 10 September. However, boys from these year levels are required to report to Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, for rehearsals. Boys should arrive at Hamer Hall by 8.50am for a 9.20am rehearsal. Upon dismissal at approximately 10.45am, boys who are not in the choir, bands or orchestra are free to travel home.
Boys in Years 7-9 who are involved in the concert are not required to be at school. They should make their own way to Hamer Hall in time for their rehearsals. The Music School will provide separate instructions for members of the orchestra, bands and choir.
Boys travelling by public transport should travel to Flinders Street Station by either train or tram and walk across Princess Bridge to the Arts Centre. For the rehearsal and the evening performance, Year 10 and 11 boys (other than those in a performing ensemble) are to enter through the main entrance on St Kilda Road, then proceed to Doors 1 and 2.
Boys in Years 7-9 who are not involved in the concert, and boys in Junior School Years 4-6, will attend a special Foundation Day Assembly in the morning at School, after which a normal school day takes place.
Please click here for important information on arrangements for the rehearsal and evening performance. Undercover parking is best found at Southbank or the Arts Centre, and I draw your attention to the different entry points for all students.
If you have not yet purchased tickets, they are still available via the link below.
We look forward to seeing the whole Scotch Family come together for this always enjoyable occasion.
Dr Scott Marsh
Principal
Can You Help on Family Day?
Some clubs and auxiliaries are still seeking volunteers to support their stalls and activities on Family Day, which is coming up on Saturday 14 September. If you have not yet signed up, please visit the Family Day page where sign up forms are still open. Thank you for your support.
Vehicle Access for Volunteers & Stall Holders on Family Day
The below information is for Family Day Stall Holders and Volunteers only. Vehicle access for dropping off goods and supplies is permitted from 6.30am until 7.30am only. All vehicles must exit the grounds by 7.30am. The speed limit is 5km/hr (slow walking pace) and vehicle access is only permitted via Boom Gate 1 on Morrison Street, near the Cardinal Pavilion. Please follow the paved road through Gate 1, following the blue line towards the main oval towards the Green Grandstand. Scotch staff will be on hand to direct drop offs. Vehicle access before Family Day is available only to vehicles dropping off equipment/supplies, and no vehicles are to remain onsite on Family Day. No vehicle access beyond the Green Grandstand will be permitted – hand deliveries only.
Auxiliaries Selling Food on Family Day
Auxiliaries selling food on Family Day must have a dedicated Food Handling Supervisor at the stall throughout the day. The Food Handling Supervisor must be present for the entire duration of your stall – this may be either the same person or may change throughout the day. To become a Food Handling Supervisor, please complete the Food Safety Training. Certificates should be emailed to events@scotch.vic.edu.au once the training has been completed. Thank you to all Food Handling Supervisors for completing the training as soon as possible.
All auxiliaries selling or supplying food must also complete the Food Safety Allergen Matrix by Monday 2 September. For further information, please email events@scotch.vic.edu.au
Please note the following important dates:
We have had a beautifully busy few weeks in the Junior School. National Science Week, Book Week, House Soccer and yesterday’s Father’s Day Breakfast have been flagship features of the boys’ experiences.
Yesterday was a wonderful opportunity for the Scotch community to come together. The boys’ excitement was palpable as they welcomed their dads, grandads and other friends into their space.
In a recent Torch article, I shared a few snippets from my reading of the book ‘The Anxious Generation’ (Jonathan Haidt) and its focus on the rise of the phone-based childhood in place of the play-based childhood.
Yesterday’s breakfast attracted over 570 guests and play was evident across the entire morning. Dads and other guests connected with each other but also with the boys in person and through play. I was worried about the hamstrings of a few who were dominating the basketball court. As I shared briefly, there is significant research in the space of paternal play and the positive impact it has on the growth and development of young children. Reigniting and celebrating a play-based relationship will have great benefit for our Scotchies.
I share my deep gratitude for the commitment of all the male role models in the boys’ lives and for the time that all of our guests set aside to come yesterday. Our Scotchies were so proud to share their school with you and to share you with their school. I hope you all enjoy Fathers’ Day this weekend.
I also share my deep gratitude for the wonderful support of the Father’s Day Breakfast Auxiliary group. Their tireless work helped create and run the event and evolve the event in its second year of the new format.
Today saw the opportunity for boys to choose a few small gifts in preparation for Father’s Day. The Mothers and Fathers Day stalls are a big hit with the boys and always raise a smile. I would like to thank all of the parents who helped run the stall and support the boys. However, I would like to single out Penny Evans and share the school’s sincere thanks for all of her work over the past years. Penny has led and organised both Mothers and Fathers Day stalls for a few years and brought a lot of joy to the community as a result. We will miss her sales pitches to the boys.
The Scotch Family has certainly been in full force this week!
We look forward to the next big Scotch Family gathering on Saturday 14 September, Family Day. The Junior School has enjoyed starting the day on the main oval for the last couple of years. We are delighted to continue this new tradition.
Tom Savill
Head of Junior School
2024 CAT Mathematics Test Results
The CAT test, also known as the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking test, comprises several multi-choice and three free response questions with students obtaining a score out of 36.
Of the Junior School students who completed the test, two boys recorded perfect scores:
The boys who completed the test from Years 3 and 4 sat the Year 5 paper. A notable challenge!
The following table summarises our results:
Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews
A reminder that Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Thursday 12 September and Tuesday 17 September. An email with further information will be sent on Friday 30 August. Bookings will open on Monday 2 September at 6.00pm.
Junior School Dates
View the key Junior School dates
Music Making in Term 3
It has been another successful action-packed week in the Music Department.
This week featured one of the loudest musical departments, the Percussion Department! On Tuesday evening, Year 5 and Year 6 percussionists joined with the Senior School in the annual Percussion Concert. The Junior School Drumline performed a piece called ‘Pick up the Kids’. Jude Hallum explained to the audience that the piece was taught using ‘words’ and not music. The boys all knew the rhyme that they were playing, however they were told not to tell their parents the words! Well done to the Year 5 and 6 percussionists. Looking forward to hearing you again at next year’s concert!
Last Thursday the Year 5 & 6 Orchestra performed in the Victorian School Music Festival. The boys performed to a live audience of students from other schools and parents; it was also live streamed. The orchestra performed three pieces, and because Amberley Bremner likes to challenge the boys, they were not entered into a Primary School section, not even the Junior section (Year 7/8 students) but the Intermediate section which was intended for Year 9 and 10 students.
The boys were awarded the highest category and received outstanding for every criteria by both adjudicators. They were also awarded the highest award, the Platinum Award.
This is an outstanding result for boys of their age. Congratulations to Amberley Bremner and the String Orchestra on their incredible achievement.
Music Resources
Please note some of the music dates have been changed or updated. Please check the updated document to ensure you have the correct dates.
Sporting Update
The Primary APS Athletics Championships were held yesterday at Doncaster Athletics Track. Well done to all the boys who proudly represented the Junior School. Full results will be published in next week’s Torch newsletter.
Congratulations to James Hall in Year 5 who returned this past weekend from the National School Sports Australia Cross Country event. James was defending his national title from last year and was trying to help Team VIC win the National crown.
James was able to repeat his fantastic achievements of the past and claim individual victory in the 3km race to become the fastest boy in his age group in the country. What an awesome effort! He also helped Team Vic to second place at Nationals. James travels to Tasmania this weekend for the final National event of the Cross Country season. Good luck James!
Congratulations to Nico Zandona in Year 6 who recently competed in the World Ninja Warrior Championships in the USA. Nico trains weekly for the Ninja competitions and there are many variations of the sport, compared to the popular media event we see on TV.
Nico qualified first in his age group from Australia to qualify for the World Ninja Games and subsequently placed top three in the world from 152 competitors at the International event in the USA. Great achievement Nico!
In PE classes, boys in Years 3 to 6 continue their time trials for the 800m. The top six boys from each House compete in the 800m on Family Day. All boys in Years 3 to 6 will run a 100m, 200m and the 100m shuttle relay on Family Day on Saturday 14 September. The program runs from 8.00am to 10.00am. Further information will be sent to parents in due course. The Junior School Flyer begins the day at 8.00am where the top two boys in each year level (3-6) compete in a handicapped 100m race. It’s a wonderful spectacle.
The Junior Primary boys are working on their 50m shuttle relay, 50m sprints and 50m low hurdles in class. The weather has been excellent for track work!
If your son cannot make Family Day, please email juniorschool@scotch.vic.edu.au
Year 5 and 6 APS Sport
Click here for the following Year 5 and 6 Interschool Sport information:
Term 4 Year 5 & 6 APS Sport
Please note training times for Term 3, which have changed due to facilities and coaching availability.
Boys with some experience in course play for golf can utilise Burnley Golf Course each Wednesday and play a few holes in the allotted time, while those beginning the game can learn at the Melbourne Driving Range in Albert Park. Mrs Rogers and our golf staff will meet with the golf boys in the coming weeks to ascertain their level of golfing ability and organise the best experience for their Term 4 sport.
Last Friday we had a very exciting assembly, in which we celebrated the success of our Pipes and Drums bands, who recently returned from the World Championships in Scotland.
Whilst in Scotland, the A-Band was announced in third place, a record-breaking result.
Even more incredulously, it was a wonderful moment when our Principal, Dr Marsh, announced the B-Band as world champions. The students were not yet aware of this, as they had been presented sixth place whilst in Scotland, but we had subsequently been informed that this was an error on the organiser’s part.
It was a joy to see both bands’ excited reactions, with a small group of supportive parents, their teachers, and the student body joining in the delight at their astounding achievement.
Congratulations to the staff involved and to all the boys who have worked so hard to garner such an outstanding result.
It has been a big week for music, with two concerts last week highlighting the choral and band programs. No rest either for students and staff now working toward the Foundation Concert, including the upcoming weekend music camp in Warburton – we wish all our musicians and staff well.
Our boys are certainly fortunate to have such a wealth of opportunities available to them through our music programs and it is wonderful to see so many of them taking these up, in this vibrant area of the school.
Family Day
We are looking forward to seeing our families at Scotch on Saturday 14 September. This is a great opportunity to socialise, see the school and the boys in action in the athletics competitions, view exhibitions and shop at the various stalls.
Reminder for Parents to Sign In When on Campus
We always enjoy hosting events and activities that involve our parents. In alignment with our child safety responsibilities, any visitors to the premises during regular school hours, including parents, need to sign in at the reception in the Randall building on Morrison Street. Unfortunately, we are unable to serve parents at our canteen, as this is not in alignment with these requirements.
Katrina Brennan
Head of Senior School
Casual Clothes Day – FORaMEAL Charity
On Thursday 5 September, the Senior School will be holding a casual clothes day to raise funds for the charity FORaMEAL. FORaMEAL is a project of the Rotary club aiming to provide emergency relief in the form of basic nutritious meal packages to those impacted by disasters, both here in Australia and overseas. Over the past few years, Scotch has provided meals to the front lines of Ukraine and also helped those affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye.
Boys should bring a gold coin or note to donate, limited card readers will be available for electronic transfers. Funds raised will go towards sending meal packages to vulnerable countries containing lentils, rice, oats and vitamins. The meal packages will be assembled by a group of year 11 boys and some FORaMEAL volunteers in the last week of this term.
2025 NASA Tour
We are currently seeking expressions of interest for the 2025 NASA tour. The tour will take place from Thursday 3 July – Wednesday 16 July and is open to boys who will be in Year 8, 9 or 10 in 2025.
View Poster | Register Interest
Please direct any questions to Alex Colussa alex.colussa@scotch.vic.edu.au
Year 7 Fathers & Carers Evening
Fathers and Caregivers of Year 7 students are invited to come together at Governors Hall on Thursday 5 September, at 6.30pm. Tickets are available for $27.00 with finger food provided. Adults may purchase drinks at bar prices.
RSVP: Tuesday 2 September
Enquiries should be directed to Lisa Kelly on 0433 809 212 or via email lisa_kelly@live.com.au
Year 8 Camp Information Evening
A Year 8 Camp Information Evening will be held on Thursday 5 September at 7.00pm. The evening will provide parents with the opportunity to meet with the camp providers, hear about the camp your son is attending and provide an opportunity to seek clarification around any concerns you may have. The boys are welcome to attend the evening, but it is not compulsory.
Camp information sessions will commence at 7.00pm sharp and be held in the following venues:
Year 10 Consequences of Violence Presentation
On Wednesday 4 September, our Year 10 boys will welcome a representative from the Pat Cronin Foundation as part of their social-emotional learning program. Through telling the story of Pat Cronin, who was killed by a single “coward punch” in 2016, the boys will learn about the potential consequences of violence, and how to resolve conflicts without it. The approach presented centers around empowerment, helping boys reflect on our own behaviours and interactions with others, how we consider our decisions, and how we can show respect for all.
The presentation will include challenging imagery from Pat’s story. If you have any concerns about the emotional content, please contact your son’s Head of House.
Further information can be found on the Pat Cronin Foundation website
Year 9 Fathers/Carers and Sons Evening
Fathers and Caregivers of Year 9 students are invited to come together at Governors Hall on Sunday 15 September, from 4.00pm-7.00pm. Limited tickets are available for $37.50 per person. This includes woodfired pizzas, canapes and soft drinks for the boys. Adults may purchase drinks at bar prices.
RSVP: Tuesday 10 September
Any enquiries should be directed to Marie Gordon on 0419995773 or via email gordon.marie@bigpond.com
Year 10 Parents End of Year Function
Please save the date for the Year 10 Parents End of Year function on Friday 15 November at Amazon State Restaurant, 329 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn. Booking details will be provided by the Year 10 Class Reps in early Term 4.
Year 9 and 10 Drug Awareness Program
In tutor time this term, our Year 10s are working through the topic of MDMA and Emerging Drugs. To support conversations at home, we will be sharing a summary of what has been discussed with the boys each week. Please click here for this week’s summary.
VCE Practice Exams
Practice exams for VCE students will be held from Sunday 6 October until Tuesday 8 October.
All Year 12 students sitting exams are required to be at school by 11.30am for a 12.00pm start on Sunday 6 to sit their English / EAL / English Language / Literature exam. Year 11 students studying a Unit 3-4 subject will have their practice exam scheduled on Monday 7 October. There will be no classes for Year 12 students on Tuesday 8 October, Year 11 students will be attending class as per normal.
Neat casual attire is acceptable for Sunday and full school uniform is required on Monday and Tuesday.
Individual student timetables will be published at a later date via the VCE Practice Exam Page on the LMS.
Preparing Year 11 Students for Year 12
Boys in Year 11 were given a great opportunity to reflect on their leadership style and values with Arrive and Thrive a fortnight ago. As your sons begin thinking about positions of responsibility for 2025 and the challenges of Year 12, they may find reflecting back on their Top 5 values and strengths profiles from VIA useful. Next term, the Future Pathways Team will meet with boys in Year 11 to discuss possible career pathways and courses of interest, enabling them to research and reflect with parents over the Summer. Having a sense of direction and/or a goal in mind can help sustain motivation and work ethic throughout Year 12. The GROW model may assist you in supporting these careers conversations with your sons.
Year 12 University Change of Preference Overview
The Year 12 exams are fast approaching and your son may have already begun applying to universities and higher education via VTAC. This includes arranging a preference list that can be re-arranged. Please click here for an overview of how university preferences work and when these can be changed.
Year 12 University of British Columbia Information Session
Boys in Year 12 who are interested in studying at the University of British Columbia are encouraged to attend a Zoom information session on September 5 at 4.00pm.
Department of Home Affairs Gap Year Program
The Department of Home Affairs is pleased to offer a comprehensive Gap Year Program designed to provide students with valuable experiences that will enhance their personal and professional development. The program will commence in February 2025 with positions offered in dynamic teams, providing boys with an opportunity to do interesting and meaningful work. Successful applicants will be employed on a 12-month temporary contract and gain valuable experience supporting the processing and administration of essential business areas.
Applications are now open via this link.
Important Dates for Boarders
Please note the below event dates for Year 12 boarding parents and guardians. Further details and invitations will be sent closer to each event.
A Message From the BPA
Following the fun of Family Day and the pancake stall we hope to see as many parents & siblings as possible at the Buffet dinner, in the Boykett Room. Adult tickets are $80 which includes canapes’, a two course meal & beverages. Siblings are welcome to join parents at Boykett Room or join older brothers in Dining Hall for free.
As usual following the dinner, we will move up to the James Forbes Academy to be entertained by our boys at the much-anticipated Boarders Revue commencing at 7.30pm.
Last but not least, we have chapel on Sunday 15 September commencing at 10.00am with Morning Tea in the Errington Retreat to follow.
Looking forward to seeing you all on this great weekend for the Boarding Community!
For further information, please contact Kate Woodward (katewoodward373@gmail.com / 0447 634 293) or Lynn Clark (clarkultrasound@bordernet.com.au / 0427 951 118)
World Pipe Band Championships
Congratulations to our Pipes and Drums on their outstanding achievements in the World Pipe Band Championships held in Scotland. Our A-Band placed third worldwide, the equal highest result ever achieved by an Australian school band. Our A-Band Drum Corps placed second in the world and first in the European Championships, and now hold the title of current European Drum Corps Champions. Our B-Band placed First worldwide in the Novice B division – an incredible achievement. Scotch is the first Australian school to win this title. These incredible results are testament to the hard work and dedication of our boys and the Pipes and Drums teaching team at Scotch.
Future Pathways Newsletter
Read the latest issue of the Future Pathways Newsletter
This edition features information on:
Morrisby Resources
A reminder that Year 10, 11 and 12 Boys who signed up to Morrisby can login anytime, adjust their interest settings and see different results. There are some excellent resources available for Year 11 and 12 Boys to explore.
Your son can login here using the email address that he registered with and his unique password.
If he has any issues, please encourage him to contact Future Pathways.
View this weekend’s APS Sports fixture
Spring Sport
View the latest copy of the Spring sports programme.
APS Athletics Lead Up Meet: This Weekend
After a very strong showing last Saturday at the Box Hill Athletics track, the squad will be returning for its second APS Athletics lead up meet of the season. All boys are welcome to come down and record some times and measurements in their respective events. Scotch will be competing against Caulfield Grammar, Melbourne Grammar, St. Kevin’s and Xavier College.
Speed/Plyometric Training: Monday Lunchtimes
A reminder that speed and plyometric sessions for Year 8-12 boys continue each Monday at lunchtime until the end of Term 3
Firsts Open Tennis Training
The Open Firsts Tennis squad will begin their 2024/25 season campaign with pre- season training starting on Wednesday 4 September. This will continue each Monday and Wednesday until the final week of Term 3. Sessions will run from 7.00-8.00am. Please meet at the Montgomery courts for the start of each session until communicated otherwise.
Swimming Squad Training: Monday and Friday Mornings
Training takes place for Year 7-12 boys on Mondays and Fridays from 6.30am – 8.00am in the Glenn Centre pool. Boys in the Water Polo programmes are encouraged to also participate in these sessions. Sessions are not compulsory but provide a great opportunity for boys to build swimming fitness.
Gold Coast Athletics Camp: Parent and Student Meeting
An information session for the Gold Coast Athletics camp will be held on Thursday 5 September from 5.15-5.45pm in the Fraser Lecture theatre (Lithgow building). Boys attending this trip should be present and encourage parents to attend also. This meeting will take place following the usual Thursday training session.
Notice of Serve & Volley Auxiliary AGM
All Scotch tennis families are invited to the Scotch Serve & Volley Tennis Auxiliary AGM on Tuesday 3 September.
Scotch College Foundation Day Concert
Tuesday 10 September
The Annual Scotch College Foundation Day Concert will take place on Tuesday 10 September at Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne at 7.30pm.
Enquiries should be directed to the Arts Centre Melbourne, 1300 182 183
Scotch Arts – Wilma and Friends
Tuesday 17 September
Wilma Smith (Concertmaster MSO 2003 – 2014) brings a delicious, predominantly French piano trio program, followed by groups featuring wind instruments, including a Wilma & Friends first, the bassoon!
Book Wilma and Friends Tickets Here
Pipes and Drums Concert
Saturday 21 September
You are invited to an evening of Scottish music featuring the Scotch College Pipes & Drums bands and special guests, including highland dancers. This promises to be an entertaining event and an exciting showcase of talent. The popular concert sold out last year, so be quick and book your tickets today!
The concert will take place on Saturday 21st September at 7.30pm in the Geoffrey McComas Theatre (GMT). Doors open at 7pm.
Tickets are $30 for students/concession and $45 for adults (includes refreshments at the interval)
Year 7 Fathers & Carers Evening
Fathers and Caregivers of Year 7 students are invited to come together at Governors Hall on Thursday 5 September, at 6.30pm. Tickets are available for $27.00 with finger food provided. Adults may purchase drinks at bar prices.
RSVP: Tuesday 2 September
Enquiries should be directed to Lisa Kelly on 0433 809 212 or via email lisa_kelly@live.com.au
Year 9 Fathers/Carers and Sons Evening
Fathers and Caregivers of Year 9 students are invited to an evening event on Sunday 15 September. The event will be held at Governors Hall, 27 Hall Street, Hawthorn East from 4.00pm-7.00pm. Limited tickets are available for $37.50 per person. This includes woodfired pizzas, canapes and soft drinks for the boys. Adults can buy drinks at bar prices.
RSVP: Tuesday 10 September
Any enquiries should be directed to Marie Gordon on 0419995773 or via email gordon.marie@bigpond.com
Year 10 Parents End of Year Function
Please save the date for the Year 10 Parents End of Year function on Friday 15 November at Amazon State Restaurant, 329 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn. Booking details will be provided by the Year 10 Class Reps in early Term 4.
Boarders Family Day Buffet Dinner
Boarding parents are invited for a buffet dinner on Saturday 14 September in the Boykett Room at 5.00pm. The much anticipated, Boarders Review will commence at 7.30pm in the James Forbes Academy shortly after. Siblings are welcome to join parents at the Boykett Room or join older brothers in Dining Hall.
RSVP: Saturday 14 September
Enquires should be directed to Eliza Leake on 0408372720 or via email info@mlconstructions.com.au
Music Auxiliary Annual Spring Gala Luncheon – Save the Date
Friday 1 November
The Scotch College Music Auxiliary invites you to the Annual Spring Gala Luncheon at Kooyong Tennis Club on Friday 1 November 2024. Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and community connections with raffle prizes and silent auctions.
A booking link will be provided in the coming weeks.
Book Chat with the Library Auxiliary – Date Change
The Library Auxiliary invites to all parents and guardians to the next Book Chat, to be held on Friday 6 September in the Reading and Discussion Room (in the library). Morning tea will start at 8.45am, followed by the book chat.
Come along and share an interesting book you have read or discover book recommendations from others in a welcoming and friendly environment. Michelle Sweeney, our librarian, will share her own recommendations for parents and boys. A lovely morning tea will is provided and it is a great way to connect with other parents.
For catering purposes, please RSVP to scotchlibraryauxiliary@gmail.com if you would like to attend. Please email any questions you may have in relation to the book chat or the library committee.
Scotch College Foundation Art Show
Thursday 29 August to Sunday 1 September 2024.
The Scotch College Foundation, which raises funds to support the school and its scholarship programs, is hosting its fourth Art Show, to support Tiwi College’s literacy program.
The event will take place in the James Yu Foyer of the James Forbes Academy Music Building and opens on Thursday 29 August with an evening cocktail party.
Book Tickets for Opening Night
Opening Dates:
Thursday 29 August: opening night cocktail party 6.30 – 9.00pm
Friday 30 August: viewing 4.00pm – 7.00pm
Saturday 31 August: viewing 10.00am – 3.00pm
Sunday 1 September: viewing 10.00am – 1.00pm
‘Collecting Art’ Seminar
Friday 30 August
Join the Scotch College Foundation for a seminar featuring Georgie Bruce from Georgie Bruce Art Advisory. Georgie will be sharing her wealth of experience as an art advisor, providing insights into the industry. The seminar will take place in the David Yu Foyer during the Scotch College Foundation Art Show at 5.30pm. The event is free however bookings are essential.
Each week in The Torch, our Psychology and Health teams explore a topic related to boys’ health and wellbeing. This week we are talking about pornography.
Experts say that the internet is sexualising kids too soon. It is making it easier for children to engage with pornography, both by choice and inadvertently. Regrettably, this is forcing parents to have the ‘birds and bees’ chat with their children at a very young age.
With the rise of social media and online porn, many parents are alarmed about protecting the innocence of their children. Unfortunately, what kids are seeing is distorting their idea of sexuality and intimacy. Parents are encouraged to educate their kids on sex and sexuality with age appropriate information.
However, when it comes to having conversations with their kids around pornography, many parents feel ill-equipped. A young person’s brain is highly impressionable and vulnerable to forming addictive patterns of behaviour which can affect their development and even impact their academic performance.
Please click here for strategies on how to have these difficult conversations and what you can do to minimise the negative effects of online pornography.
As always, if you have any concerns about your son, please contact Nick Clark at psychologist@scotch.vic.edu.au or seek medical or professional help.
