PENOLA High School student Ebonie Moulton has called on her peers to source accurate information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic as Australia’s health crisis continues to escalate.
As of yesterday, high school principal Ngaire Benfell said the school would remain open in accordance with Department of Education direction with increased communication to families regarding changes.
Ms Benfell said students had embraced social distancing measures to minimise the risk, including hand washing, sneezing and coughing into elbows and limiting physical contact.
“Students have been curious, calm and while disappointed, have accepted the cancellation of events with grace, indicating they clearly understand the reasoning and science behind the directives,” Ms Benfell said.
The school’s Student Representative Council leader, Ebony will speak to students regarding what they can do to minimise the risk of spreading misinformation and panic among the community and student behaviour in response to the virus.
“I believe it is important the students of the high school recognise and understand the effects that this outbreak is having in our community and the measures that may or already have been put in place to help reduce the spread,” Ebony said.
“I have decided to discuss the topic of media as well as it is a platform all young adolescents use and is so easily accessible.
“This pandemic has sparked a large number of media involvement with many social media platforms being quick to jump to conclusions about what is happening.”
Ebony said it was important her peers sought information about the virus from reliable sources and were actively preventing the spread of misleading information.
“At this time I want my peers to understand that this is a great time of uncertainty and it is okay to feel worried or frightened and seeking support is not frowned upon,” she said.
“My advice is to listen to the basic practices we have been told to follow and make them a habit and think before you speak or share information about the virus.
“A small misleading comment can lead to even more frightened and anxious behaviour during this unpredictable time.”
