Thought-provoking speakers will aim to challenge perspectives around complex topics impacting the educator sector, including anxiety, AI and pornography, when Youth Connect – Life Ed South Australia’s signature event for primary and secondary school educators and leaders – is held today.
The education forum runs on Friday 9 August at Hectorville Sports and Community Club
in Magill, SA, with organisers saying attendees can look forward to lively panel discussions and keynote presentations.
Speakers at the event include:
- Dr Jodi Richardson, anxiety and well-being specialist – who will cover how to shift anxiety to resilience.
“Did you know one in seven primary school children and one in four in high school in Australia are affected by anxiety?” Richardson asks, adding that early intervention is crucial and “there’s so much you can do”.
- Matt Dunn, Head of Automation at Missing Link – who will explore how schools can embrace AI, including ChatGPT.
“Every teacher needs to understand how AI can transform education, be leveraged to automate routine
tasks, reduce your stress and reclaim your personal time,” says Dunn. “ChatGPT is an invaluable part of your teaching toolkit, and you can learn how to master it and its benefits at Youth Connect.”
- Maree Crabbe, Director of the Australian Violence Prevention Initiative – who will discuss the impact of pornography and what schools can do to support students.
“By addressing pornography’s impact in the school community, you can play a pivotal role in preventing
sexual violence and promoting gender equality among your students,” Crabbe says.
- Dr Mark Dowley, Associate Head of the Crowther Centre – who will present on student behaviour and how to improve this in the current school climate.
Learn, share and network
Life Ed is the largest and most recognised provider of health and well-being education in schools. Since launching the Youth Connect event in 2022 as a way to acknowledge the dedication of teachers and school leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Youth Connect forum aims to provide school leaders, well-being coordinators, teachers and youth workers a chance to learn, share and network with each other.
“It has since grown into a professional learning day filled with expert insights, youth voices, good food and fun – what Life Ed is all about,” says Gildi Carty, CEO, Life Ed South Australia.
