The Victorian Government has released new resources in schools to help students, teachers and parents navigate the impacts of social media and screentime. Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll announced the new ScrollSafe resources – designed to help secondary school students look after their mental health and stay safe online – will be available at schools across the education state.
Available to comment:
Professor Mary Ryan, Dean of Education
Contact: +61 9903 4940 or [email protected]
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Internationally recognised education leader and researcher with major contributions in teacher education, reflexive learning, writing pedagogy, and the design of innovative programs that enhance education quality and equity, including the APTT initiative for staffing hard-to-staff schools.
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Expert in literacy, learning and teaching across the lifespan, currently leading projects on reflexive writing pedagogy in the era of GenAI, epistemic reflexivity for teaching to diversity, and pathways into the teaching profession.
Comments attributable to Professor Ryan:
“These resources recognise that supporting young people’s wellbeing requires collaboration across schools, families and the wider community. By giving teachers and parents practical tools grounded in evidence, we can help young people build the confidence and critical skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex digital world. Initiatives like ScrollSafe reflect our shared commitment to creating safer, more inclusive learning environments where every child feels supported to thrive, both online and offline.”
Michael Phillips, Professor of Digital Transformation in the Faculty of Education, and Co-Director of the Monash Virtual School
Contact: +61 427 173 646 or [email protected]
Read more of Professor Phillips’ commentary.
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Digital transformation in education, focusing on how technology can enhance teaching and learning, empower educators, and create more inclusive and meaningful learning experiences.
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Reshaping teacher education through authentic online teaching opportunities, data-informed coaching, and innovative research that supports learners experiencing disadvantage and displacement globally.
Comments attributable to Professor Phillips:
“The release of the ScrollSafe resources marks a constructive step in supporting young people’s mental health at school and online. As social media and digital platforms continue to play a role in students’ lives, it is encouraging to see practical, evidence-informed tools being made available to help them navigate these spaces with greater confidence and awareness. Providing clear guidance for students, alongside support for teachers, parents and carers, strengthens the collective effort needed to foster safe and healthy online environments.
“Importantly, initiatives like ScrollSafe sit within a broader conversation about the relationship between young people, technology and wellbeing. While digital spaces can present risks, especially for those already facing social or economic disadvantage, they can also offer significant opportunities. For many marginalised young people, educational technologies can create pathways to connection, flexible learning, culturally relevant resources, and specialised support that may not always be accessible offline. When designed and used thoughtfully, these tools can help reduce barriers to participation and give students more agency in their learning and wellbeing.
“The Government’s continued investment in programs such as Mental Health in Primary Schools shows a recognition that mental health support must begin early and be reinforced consistently. Embedding digital literacy and wellbeing initiatives within this larger framework ensures schools are better equipped to respond to the evolving needs of their students, without placing additional burdens on teachers.
“While there is still more work to do to ensure all young people benefit equally from digital learning environments, the ScrollSafe resources represent a positive step toward a balanced approach - one that acknowledges the challenges of the online world while also recognising the potential of technology to support inclusion, connection and improved mental health outcomes.”
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