Mrs Dunwoody speaks about the upcoming social media ban and its effects on our community.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In my CamNews editorial earlier this term, I shared insights into the age restrictions on social media platforms and how these changes align with our School’s ongoing commitment to digital wellbeing and the intentional use of technology. As we approach the Government’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill (2024) coming into effect on 10 December 2025, there is more information being reported in the news about how these will impact young people under 16 years of age and their families.
As a School community, we are focusing on some proactive steps that we can take to assist in the process, as identified below:
This Term we are conducting information sessions for students, as well as sharing with them our updated Smart Devices Policy that will also assist us to support the intentional use of technology, digital wellbeing and the introduction of the new legislation for our students.
The policy is currently being reviewed by our Student Representative Council (SRC) and we also invite interested parents to provide feedback by 4.00pm on Monday 24 November. Please email feedback to your child’s Head of School office:
Secondary School
Ms Sarah Cuskelly
Personal Assistant to Heads of Middle & Senior School
secondaryschool-pa@cggs.vic.edu.au
Junior School
Ms Rebecca Foote
Personal Assistant to the Head of Junior School
juniorschool-pa@cggs.vic.edu.au
Please access the policy via the link below:
Fact Sheet by CTRL SHFT
This fact sheet is particularly useful for stepping you through what you need to know and how to discuss the change with your child.
Resources from the eSafety Commissioner:
In 2026 we will also include our partnership with the Cyber Safety Project, engaging students, parents and staff in learning opportunities to support the practice of digital safety and wellbeing.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support as we navigate this important work together.
Update on The Netflix Series 13 Reasons Why
In 2017 we wrote to our Camberwell Girls parents about the release of the fictional Netflix Series 13 Reasons Why, as did many other schools at the time. This was to alert them to the nature of the series which portrays a teenage girl’s struggles with mental health and included scenes of cyber bullying, sexual assault and suicidality. The MA15+ series, based on a novel is not suitable for young people and should be carefully considered before viewing.
At the time Mental Health professionals warned that the series was irresponsible and a danger to vulnerable teenagers as it portrays what appears to be a logical sequence of the reasons why a young person chooses to end their life by suicide. We understand through our school networks that the series has had a resurgence, hence this message to alert parents.
It is important that you have an understanding of the series, and I have attached a resource from Headspaceto assist you. We strongly encourage families to consider if it is appropriate viewing. If they choose to watch it, parents should view it with their children and take time to discuss it afterwards. One of the ways that we support and promote wellbeing and good mental health with young people is by helping them to make good choices about what they watch and the online content that they access.
Please access the Headspace resource using the link below:
https://headspace.org.au/assets/Uploads/PARENTS-13RY-Headspace2.pdf
If you would like to discuss this further, please contact one of our School Counsellors:
Paula Kolivas pkolivas@cggs.vic.edu.au
Beth Sarlos sarlosb@cggs.vic.edu.au
With best wishes,
Debbie Dunwoody
Principal
This week at the Secondary School, we inducted the 2026 Leaders at the annual Leaders' Service.
The Junior School Instrumental Ensemble Concert was a display of musical excellence from our young musicians.
We were thrilled to have two Old Grammarians visit the School this past fortnight.
