Unmissable Event: Growing Up in the Age of Algorithms

A recurring theme in our discussions has been the rapidly changing digital environment in which young people are growing up. Increasingly, students encounter content online that has not been actively sought out but is presented to them through sophisticated algorithms. Understanding the influence of these digital environments, and helping young people navigate them thoughtfully and critically, is now an important part of contemporary education. 

Consistent with the research explored by the RRE Team, educating young people in this space is most effective when schools and families work together. Parents and carers play a crucial role in helping their sons make sense of the messages they encounter online and in reinforcing the values and expectations that underpin healthy and respectful relationships. Data from the eSafety Commissioner suggests that while most parents have conversations about online safety, more challenging issues, including sexual extortion, the misuse of generative AI and the influence of algorithms on the content young people consume, are often less well understood and less frequently discussed. This highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue between schools and families as we support young people in navigating the opportunities and challenges of the online world. 

To support this partnership, we invite Knox Grammar and Wahroonga Prep parents and carers to a special community event on Thursday 15 October at 6.30pm in the Great Hall. We welcome Dr Stephanie Wescott and Dr Naomi Pfitzner from Monash University, whose research and work in this field are widely recognised. Their presentation will explore the influences shaping young people online and provide practical insights for families seeking to support their children in an evolving digital landscape. The evening will also include a panel discussion involving students and staff, moderated by Nick McArdle, broadcaster, Patron of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter and former Knox parent.

Please click here to RSVP by Monday 12 October.

– Scott James, Headmaster