(A)round Tables: Conversations on Digital Safety & Wellness
The Counselling Team hosted a Coffee Morning that brought together parents, students, educators, and in-house tech experts to engage in meaningful dialogue on digital safety and wellness. The event saw active participation from 60 parents, 17 students, and 14 educators and experts, fostering a diverse and inclusive exchange of perspectives.
Participants were seated at round tables to encourage open conversation, with additional attendees contributing as part of the audience. A unique interactive format was used, where participants responded to prompts using coloured flags—red for disagreement, green for agreement or support, and white for neutrality. This approach promoted active listening, reflection, and peer validation throughout the session.
The event began with a quick-response activity designed to elicit initial thoughts and experiences related to digital habits and online safety. Statements about screen use, emotional impact of online content, and awareness of digital safety sparked immediate engagement and honest reflection.
This was followed by deeper discussions at and across tables, guided by thought-provoking questions on themes such as:
- The balance between care and control in technology use
- Adult concerns about children’s digital engagement
- Building trust and openness for young people to seek help
- Shared responsibility in creating safer digital spaces
The conversations were dynamic and insightful, reflecting a wide range of experiences and viewpoints. Participants identified both common ground and areas of differing opinion, enriching the overall dialogue.
While the session raised several important questions, it was positioned as a starting point for ongoing engagement. The insights gathered will inform future initiatives and help the school address key concerns in collaboration with the community.
Overall, the event successfully created a space for thoughtful reflection, meaningful dialogue, and strengthened community connections around an increasingly important aspect of student wellbeing.
