High school is an adjustment
STARTING high school is a big deal for most children, but it is also a good time for parents to swot up on the issues their teens may face in the coming years.
Among them are sexting, pornography, sex, self-harm, vaping, drugs and alcohol.
The Quirky Kid Clinic chief executive and child psychologist Kimberley O’Brien said the first hurdle for Year 7 kids was adjusting to the dynamics of bigger social groups and getting used to being the smallest fish in the pond again.
Signs they are struggling, include them wanting to stay in their bedrooms more, or being more sullen or argumentative.
“If schools don’t manage phone use at breaks or lunch times then some may withdraw and look at their phones because it is easier than dealsite
ing with the social dynamics,” Dr O’Brien said.
“It’s a lot to get used to, so remember they need a lot of love and support from their parents as they adjust.”
For some it can take a couple of terms to feel more comfortable.
Reachout chief executive Ashley de Silva, said his organisation has advice on its webfor both children and parents on how to navigate some of the bigger issues that can happen during the high school years.
He recommended not sitting kids down for long lectures, but to have more open conversations about different subjects, by perhaps introducing a topic that is in the news.
Research shows that the average age a child has their first drink is between 15 and 16.
“Have that conversation about alcohol before then,” Mr de Silva said. “But if a young person goes to a party and drinks too much, keep that door open, so they know they can call you for help.”
The Cyber Safety Lady Leonie Smith, who advises parents on how to manage their child’s online use, said they need to retain some control over what their teen is doing, but also allow them some privacy.
She said it was essential to keep pornography filters on, and for parents to go through all the pitfalls of what can go wrong on social media with their child, including online predators and sexting. Research shows that one in three young people aged 14 to 17 have experienced sexting.
Ms Smith said kids need to know that sharing a partial nude or nude picture of a person under the age of 18 is illegal and classed as child abuse material.
“For a lot of kids sexting is normalised, they don’t understand what the fuss is about, it’s like flirting,” she said. “So, talk about how it can go wrong. For example, how a nude image can be used against them.”