Latest news with #JoanneCervantes
The Age
30-04-2025
- Health
- The Age
‘I fall asleep in class': New program to tackle teens' screen habits
Last night, Joanne Cervantes stayed up until 5am streaming a series on her phone. Scrolling in bed until she feels sleepy has become a part of the 17-year-old's nightly routine. Feeling a bit tired during the day is now the norm for the year 12 student. 'I don't usually fall asleep during class,' the Sydney teen says. 'But it does affect how well I can take in what the teachers say.' Cervantes' friend Natalie Lee, also 17, has a similar habit. Lee is often on TikTok until at least 1am, swiping away screen time notifications when they pop up. 'I fall asleep in class sometimes,' admits Lee. Today, the Black Dog Institute has launched the Teens & Screens program across Australia. A free evidence-based program developed in partnership with the Bupa Foundation, the hour-long session is aimed at students from years 7 to 9, when they typically get their own phone. The interactive program, to be delivered in the classroom by school support officers or young Black Dog Institute facilitators, explores how to develop healthy screen habits, manage their digital wellbeing, and make better decisions about their digital habits. They share, for instance, how tech companies use algorithms and monetise their platforms. A recent study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that advertisements aimed at children and adolescents brought in almost US$11 billion across six popular social media apps.
The Age
29-04-2025
- Health
- The Age
‘I fall asleep in class': New program to tackle teen's screen habits
Last night, Joanne Cervantes stayed up until 5am streaming a series on her phone. Scrolling in bed until she feels sleepy has become a part of the 17-year-old's nightly routine. Feeling a bit tired during the day is now the norm for the year 12 student. 'I don't usually fall asleep during class,' the Sydney teen says. 'But it does affect how well I can take in what the teachers say.' Cervantes' friend Natalie Lee, also 17, has a similar habit. Lee is often on TikTok until at least 1am, swiping away screen time notifications when they pop up. 'I fall asleep in class sometimes,' admits Lee. Today, the Black Dog Institute has launched the Teens & Screens program across Australia. A free evidence-based program developed in partnership with the Bupa Foundation, the hour-long session is aimed at students from years 7 to 9, when they typically get their own phone. The interactive program, to be delivered in the classroom by school support officers or young Black Dog Institute facilitators, explores how to develop healthy screen habits, manage their digital wellbeing, and make better decisions about their digital habits. They share, for instance, how tech companies use algorithms and monetise their platforms. A recent study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that advertisements aimed at children and adolescents brought in almost US$11 billion across six popular social media apps.
Sydney Morning Herald
29-04-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I fall asleep in class': New program to tackle teen's screen habits
Last night, Joanne Cervantes stayed up until 5am streaming a series on her phone. Scrolling in bed until she feels sleepy has become a part of the 17-year-old's nightly routine. Feeling a bit tired during the day is now the norm for the year 12 student. 'I don't usually fall asleep during class,' the Sydney teen says. 'But it does affect how well I can take in what the teachers say.' Cervantes' friend Natalie Lee, also 17, has a similar habit. Lee is often on TikTok until at least 1am, swiping away screen time notifications when they pop up. 'I fall asleep in class sometimes,' admits Lee. Today, the Black Dog Institute has launched the Teens & Screens program across Australia. A free evidence-based program developed in partnership with the Bupa Foundation, the hour-long session is aimed at students from years 7 to 9, when they typically get their own phone. The interactive program, to be delivered in the classroom by school support officers or young Black Dog Institute facilitators, explores how to develop healthy screen habits, manage their digital wellbeing, and make better decisions about their digital habits. They share, for instance, how tech companies use algorithms and monetise their platforms. A recent study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that advertisements aimed at children and adolescents brought in almost US$11 billion across six popular social media apps.
