OPACT: Partnering for Healthier Screen Habits
It was wonderful to see more than 70 families commit to the OPACT (Oran Park Anglican College Technology Pact) last year. By joining the pact, families are sending a strong and encouraging message to their children: “We’re not the only ones setting healthy screen‑time boundaries — many OPAC families are choosing the same pathway to support wellbeing.”
The OPACT focuses on two simple but meaningful commitments:
Time Boundaries
Families agree to maintain screen‑free periods during key moments such as conversations, mealtimes, family activities, church, and other important events.
On school nights, personal screens (including smartphones and laptops) are switched off by:
- 7:30 PM for Years 5–8
- 8:30 PM for Years 9–10
- 9:30 PM for Years 11–12
Safe Overnight Storage
Devices are placed in a shared, supervised location overnight — for example, a central charging station or a parent’s room — helping create a calm, distraction‑free environment for rest.
A huge thank‑you to the families already on board. Your commitment strengthens our community’s shared effort to nurture digital wisdom and healthier tech habits.
If you would like to join this growing movement of support and solidarity, you are warmly invited to register your family’s participation by clicking below.
A Quick Guide for Parents: Managing and Monitoring Apps on Apple Devices
With young people increasingly connected through iPhones, iPads, and Macs, Apple’s built‑in parental controls offer families an effective way to ensure children are using technology safely, responsibly, and with fewer distractions. Below is a simple guide to help parents get started -whether you want to turn apps on and off, limit screen time, monitor activity, or restrict inappropriate content.
1. Start With Family Sharing – The Foundation
Before applying restrictions, Apple requires families to set up Family Sharing and add their child’s Apple ID. This step links devices and enables parents to manage settings remotely. Once added, you can access your child’s device settings under Settings → Screen Time → Family.
2. Use Screen Time – Your Parental Control Hub
Screen Time is Apple’s all‑in‑one tool for app management, activity monitoring, and restrictions. You’ll find it in:
Settings → Screen Time → Your Child’s Name
Key functions include:
| Function | What It Does | How Parents Use It |
| Turn Apps On or Off | Helps limit or block access to selected apps during certain times (e.g., school hours, homework, bedtime). | • Use App Limits to set daily time limits for categories such as social media or games. • Use Downtime to restrict all apps except chosen essential ones like Messages or Phone. |
| Restrict Content and Privacy | Blocks inappropriate content and prevents changes to important settings. | • Hide age‑inappropriate apps. • Block adult websites. • Disable app installations or in‑app purchases. |
| Monitor Usage | Provides an overview of how the device is being used. | • Shows total time spent on the device. • Lists most‑used apps. • Tracks device pickups and notifications. |
3. Newer Safety Features (iOS 26 and Later)
Recent Apple updates have strengthened safety defaults for children’s accounts:
| Feature | What It Does | How It Helps Parents |
| Message and Call Approval | Requires children to request parent approval before receiving messages or calls from unknown numbers. | Prevents contact from strangers and allows parents to oversee who can communicate with their child. |
| Automatic Nudity Blurring | Detects and automatically blurs nudity in FaceTime, Photos, and messaging apps on child accounts. | Adds a layer of protection against exposure to inappropriate images. |
| Improved App Store Controls | Hides apps that exceed the child’s allowed content rating and flags apps containing user‑generated content, messaging, or other sensitive features. | Reduces the risk of children downloading unsuitable apps and gives parents clearer insight into app content. |
I understand these features activate automatically once Apple recognises a device as belonging to a minor using Family Sharing.
4. Final Tips for Parents
- Keep software updated on all devices so the latest safety features work properly.
- Use a Screen Time passcode so children cannot adjust settings.
- Talk openly with your child about safe digital habits—technology works best alongside communication and trust.
- Check regularly: Children get older, routines change, and so should digital boundaries.
God bless,
Mr Steve Owen
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School
The Student Representative Council for 2026
We recently recognised the remainder of our wonderful Student Representative Council team as they were officially badged.
Each student has been entrusted with the responsibility to lead with courage, collaboration and compassion, serving their peers and representing our College with integrity. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make across our community.
We congratulate each of our SRC members and pray they lead with confidence and care throughout the year.