On Tuesday evening, May 2nd, parents engaged in a thought-provoking presentation by Dr Marshall Ballantine-Jones as he shared years of research of how to reduce negative effects of sexualisation, isolation and narcissism through online and social media activities of young people today. Some main points of Marshall’s presentation will be highlighted here.

In the case of explicit sexual material, research reveals that average age of first time exposure for today’s youth was at 11½ years old. Early and over exposure changes the way the brain sees the world. It alters attitudes, behaviours and neural pathways. In spite of all this media invading their lives, what we as parents SAY does make a difference. Saying the same key messages that you love and support your children and the reason there are rules in place will prove to be useful for engaging with your children. In addition to this, what you DO makes a big difference also. By emulating the behaviour and habits you expect of you children will help them model their behaviour on yours.

Educating our young people about risks associated with pornography, social media, and narcissism does not harm them. Through Wellbeing Week, 2023, and on other occasions, Barker is educating students (and families) about themselves, consent and Respectful Relationships at school, home, and online.

We thank Dr Marshall Ballantine-Jones for a compelling presentation. The audience was buoyed by his knowledge and multiple strategies to confront these urgent issues.

More information on Marshall Ballantine-Jones’ research can be found HERE.

Resources recommended by Marshall Ballantine-Jones include:

Culture reframed : https://parents.culturereframed.org/about-us/

eSafety Commissioner : https://www.esafety.gov.au
Advice And Resources On Keeping You And Your Family Safe Online.

Filtering apps including:

-Family Zone

-Covenant Eyes

-Bark

-mSpy

-Canopy