Helping Girls Navigate the Online World With Confidence

March 27, 2025

“If it’s not on social media, did it even happen?”
It might be a joke, but for many teens, it’s not far from the truth. With likes, Direct Messages (DM’s) and stories shaping their world, knowing how to use social media wisely has never been more important.

This week during Pastoral Care Time (PCT), our Years 10 and 11 students participated in a powerful session with Nicolette and Georgia from We Are W/M. They unpacked how the online world really works, and how to handle it with care

What Did the Girls Learn?

The session started with some key digital literacy tools:

Setting healthy screen time habits
Responding to inappropriate messages
Sexting and the law
Spotting red flags in online conversations

Then, they went deeper. Students explored:

How algorithms shape what we see
Why our online actions leave lasting footprints
How to create respectful and inclusive spaces online

Teacher, Regan Dyer shared, ” This session was important for young girls to help understand that social media can be used in both positive and negative ways. It also empowers them to recognise online misinformation, including the use of deepfakes, so they can critically evaluate what they see.”

These are the kinds of conversations we value at Santa Maria College.

Why It Matters

This is more than just a social media session. It’s about building smart, aware and kind digital citizens. Students are learning to think critically, not just scroll.

Year 10 student, Lila shared, “The topic of social media is something that isn’t really discussed frequently in terms of the negatives, so it was good to learn from the presenters and also hear my peer’s insights on different topics regarding social media.”

The conversation also links to our Mental Health Strategy, which helps students navigate the emotional pressure that can come with being online 24/7.

“I really enjoyed it. It provided valuable insights into the realities of social media and its positives and negatives. I am sure we have all gained a lot from this session, including the new age restrictions coming into place and how to seek help if you are in trouble.” Ella, Year 11

Alumni Wisdom - A Full-Circle Moment

A highlight was hearing from 2015 graduate Bridey Eggleton, who is now working with We Are W/M. She shared:

“As someone who’s lived with mental health challenges since Year 11, it means a lot to now use my voice and social media skills to support young people. Being back at Santa Maria felt like a powerful full-circle moment.”

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Parents, this is a great time to check-in. Try asking your daughter,

What stood out to you in the session?
How do you set boundaries online?
Is there one small habit you’d like to change with your screen time?

These small chats help reinforce what we’re doing at school and show your daughter that you’re walking this journey with her.

This session was another meaningful step in shaping young women who lead online with kindness, confidence and clarity.

#socialmedia, DigitalLiteracy, Featured, mentalhealth, OnlineSafety, PastoralCare, studentwellbeing, WeAreW/M, Year10, Year11

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.