Launceston College Celebrates Youth Mental Health Day with Digital Wellbeing Focus

School Supports Students with Online Safety Awareness

Launceston College, part of the Athena Learning Trust, has joined schools across the country in marking Youth Mental Health Day, held on 19th September, with a focus on supporting students’ digital wellbeing. This year’s theme, #ControlYourScroll, aims to highlight the importance of managing online exposure for young people.

Recent research conducted by mental health charity stem4 found that 93% of young people have encountered distressing content online, with concerns ranging from misinformation and online scams to cyberbullying and the sharing of inappropriate images. In response, Launceston College has reinforced its commitment to online safety through its comprehensive Online Safety Policy.

Addressing the Risks

The school has identified four main categories of online risk: exposure to harmful content such as fake news, harmful online interactions, risky personal online behaviour, and online scams. As part of their Character Curriculum, students are educated on how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. This curriculum, which includes guidance on relationships and health education, is taught daily to ensure that by the end of secondary school, every student understands their rights and responsibilities online.

Principal’s Commitment to Student Wellbeing

Matthew Thompson, the new principal at Launceston College, emphasised the importance of Youth Mental Health Day in sparking conversations around student wellbeing. He also announced a new initiative to further support students: his black labrador, Bonnie, will be joining the college as a support dog. Bonnie will spend time with students at break times and provide support for those in need.

“As the new principal at Launceston, I will be making sure that students feel supported each day to learn to the best of their ability, to be happy, and to be successful in college,” said Matthew.

Open Evening and Application Details

Applications for secondary school places at Launceston College are now open, with the deadline set for 31st October. The college is holding an open evening on Thursday, 26th September, from 5pm to 8pm, providing prospective students and parents with the opportunity to learn more about the school’s offerings.

Launceston College is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted across all areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision. Inspectors highlighted the college’s broad and ambitious curriculum, noting that all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), follow a structured learning path that meets their needs and capabilities.

For more information about the school and its Online Safety Policy, visit Launceston College’s website.