Wellbeing is our mission

Your Potential. Your Purpose. Your Place - is the new statement at Cornerstone College. As a school, we want these words to be more than just a tagline; we want their meaning to be our mission as a community, to develop young people who live healthy and contented lives.

The 2022 Headspace survey results found that 58% of young people feel isolated or left out. They had no meaningful connection to the world or others around them.

In his book, The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt presents a compelling argument about the rise of anxiety and depression among young people, attributing much of this crisis to the pervasive use of smartphones and social media. He explores how changes in parenting, technology, and social structures have contributed to a mental health epidemic, urging society to take a more deliberate approach to guiding young people toward healthier lifestyles.

Haidt identifies the rapid shift to a smartphone-dominated culture as a turning point in adolescent mental health. The rise of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat has drastically changed how young people interact with one another. While these platforms offer opportunities for connection, they also contribute to increased loneliness, social comparison, and cyberbullying. Haidt argues that constant online engagement replaces essential face-to-face interactions, weakening the deep social bonds that are crucial for psychological wellbeing.

Another key factor Haidt discusses is the shift in parenting styles over the past few decades. With growing fears about child safety, parents have become more protective, limiting unstructured play and independence. This, combined with an increased reliance on digital entertainment, has led to a decline in real-world experiences that are vital for emotional resilience and problem-solving. Haidt contends that children today are growing up with fewer opportunities to navigate challenges on their own, making them more vulnerable to anxiety and stress.

One of Haidt’s most significant concerns is the link between social media use and declining mental health. Studies show that excessive screen time correlates with higher rates of anxiety and depression, particularly among teenage girls. The pressure to curate a perfect online presence can lead to self-esteem issues, as young people constantly compare themselves to idealised versions of others. Furthermore, the addictive nature of these platforms, driven by algorithms designed to maximise engagement, keeps users trapped in cycles of validation-seeking and digital overstimulation.

Haidt advocates for several solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of social media. He suggests delaying the age at which children receive smartphones, promoting screen-free school environments, and encouraging more outdoor and social activities. Schools, parents, and policymakers must work together to establish guidelines that help young people develop healthy relationships with technology. Additionally, he emphasises the importance of fostering resilience through unstructured play, real-world socialisation, and the development of coping skills.

In response to the challenges faced by modern adolescents, programs like The Rite Journey, co-developed by pioneering Cornerstone College educators, Andrew Lines and Graham Gallasch, offer a structured framework for young people navigating the transition into adulthood.

This year-long program provides mentorship, self-reflection, and life skills to help students build confidence and resilience. By incorporating elements of traditional rites of passage, our Year 9 students are given tools to help them counteract the negative impacts of social media by fostering independence, responsibility, and a stronger sense of self.
In a rapidly changing world that constantly challenges what is true and right, we must ensure that our young people are ready to face these challenges confidently and with courage.
It takes a community to educate a young person. The work we partner in as educators, parents, and caregivers allows us to instil in them the life skills that will allow our young people to truly know their potential, purpose, and place.

Matt Pearce
Head of Middle School