FROM THE TECHNOLOGIES TEACHER - ELISA WESTON
Esports Update
I am very excited to offer students an opportunity to try out our new Nintendo Switch and race their friends in Mario Kart. Students who race will add their names to our Born to Race Wall of Champions.
This term we will be having a Click Speed Comp. This is a fantastic game for students to develop their accuracy using the mouse and is a game that students of all ages can participate in. There will be a champion announced in each year level.
Students can also participate in Minecraft Free Play and Geometry Dash Lite Free play. An excellent option for those who are looking for something less competitive but are still keen to be a part of the Rochedale South Esports Community. Even Cal is getting in on the action!
What is the right amount of gaming time?
Even though gaming can be positive, it needs to be balanced with other meaningful activities like getting enough sleep, connecting with family, socialising with friends, being active and completing schoolwork.
There is no magic number of hours, but your child may be spending too much time playing games if their gaming starts to have negative impacts on them or your family.
Look out for signs such as:
- less interest in social activities like meeting friends or playing sport
- not doing so well at school
- tiredness, sleep disturbance, headaches or eye strain
- changes in eating patterns
- reduced personal hygiene
- obsession with particular websites or games
- getting angry when being asked to take a break from online activity, or appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer
- becoming withdrawn from friends and family.
In some cases, setting clear limits as a family may be enough to help you to deal with too much gaming. But if you notice any changes in your child that concern you, contact a counselling or support service to help you.
You can also read eSafety’s guide to managing screen time for parents and carers to manage the amount of time your child spends gaming or create a Family Tech Agreement together
Elisa Weston
Technologies Teacher P-6, eSafety Champion