Our goal is to see as many pledge badges in our school as there are house badges – a visible sign of our community taking a stand for wellbeing, focus, and connection.

Dear Lourdes Hill College Community

In today’s connected world, social media offers creativity, connection and inspiration - but it can also bring challenges that aren’t always easy to see. For many young people, even small comments online can leave a lasting impact and subtly undermine their sense of self. These moments can shape how we see ourselves and how we relate to others.

As your 2025 Student Council, we are launching Time Out – a student-led initiative that encourages all of us to take a step back and reflect on how we use social media in our lives.
 

About Time Out

Time Out is about pressing pause. It's a chance to reflect, reset and reconnect, not just by switching off our screens, but by switching on to what matters most. We hope this pledge becomes more than just a challenge – that it sparks a ripple effect of awareness and solidarity within our community. 

We’ve created three pledge levels so that everyone can be involved in a way that feels right for them:

🥉 Bronze – Remove one platform (like Instagram, TikTok or Snapchat)
🥈 Silver – Limit social media use to one hour per day
🥇 Gold – Take a full break from social media for two weeks

Everyone who makes a pledge will receive a Time Out badge - a small but powerful symbol of their commitment, encouraging balance, kindness and a positive digital presence.

Why It Matters

Time Out is about more than just switching off. There is more to social media than what we often realise, it can sometimes be overwhelming, isolating or just too much. Time Out gives us a chance to take back a bit of control, to support those who may be quietly struggling, and to look after our own wellbeing too.

It also gives us time for the things we often put off - reading, exercising, spending time with friends or family, getting outside, or simply taking a break from scrolling. 

Sometimes, stepping back can help us reconnect with the things that make us feel good. This isn’t about giving up social media forever. It’s about pausing, thinking, and choosing what’s right for you.
 

Who, What, When and How it Works

We want Time Out to be supportive, achievable and something we’re proud to be part of.

Who
All students in Years 7–12 are welcome to join in. The pledge is completely voluntary - it’s your choice, your commitment.
What
Choose your pledge level (Bronze, Silver or Gold) and wear your Time Out badge as a sign of your personal choice and to help start positive conversations.
When
The Pledge will begin on Wednesday 20th August (Week 6, Term 3) and runs for two weeks, concluding on Wednesday 3rd September (Week 8, Term 3)
How
Students make their pledge by filling out a short online form HERE by next Wednesday 20 August. 
Collect your badge in Week 7. Students can wear this on their ties until the end of Term 3. 
After the pledge, students will be invited to complete a short reflection on what the experience was like.
We know that change comes from honest conversations, trying something new, and supporting each other. 

A Role For Families

We’d love families to be part of Time Out too. That might mean a screen-free dinner, chatting about the pledge at home, or even taking on the challenge together. These small moments can make a big difference.

If you have any questions please email the Dean of Student Wellbeing, Joanne Brasch-McPhee at [email protected] 

Thank you  for supporting this student-led initiative, Time Out and helping us build awareness, courage and care - online and offline. This is a small action that can spark a powerful shift, not just in how we live, but in how we care for one another. 

Watch our video below to find out more about the project and hear messages of support from some familiar and famous Brisbane faces.

Emilie and Grace
2025 College Captains