Aaron and Chloe from The Fresh Start invited high school students from across the region to share their thoughts on life as the next generation for Next Gen Week. We absolutely love supporting, encouraging, and listening to young people, and this was the perfect opportunity to connect with local schools.

These students shared their honest perspectives on social media, faith, mental health, and life as a young person today.

Eseta & Jack – Avondale School

Eseta and Jack shared their thoughts on growing up with technology and how it shapes social connections.
Eseta: “Some of the negatives about technology are general socialising… it would be fun to grow up with less technology to focus on connecting with people.”
Jack: “Sometimes it’s good to connect with friends (on social media), but other times it can be a bad thing. Giving alternatives to technology can help.”

Ava & Noah – SPCC Waratah

Ava and Noah talked about faith and social media, and how young people today are finding God online.
Ava: “There’s definitely a resurgence of faith online… songs like Josiah Queen and Forest Frank are showing up on everyone’s feeds, not just Christian feeds.”
Noah: “Limiting social media can be beneficial, especially when thinking about cyberbullying.”

Addie & Oliver – Charlton Christian College

Addie and Oliver reflected on spirituality and the balance between having fun and learning from older generations.
Addie: “We’re more open to spirituality; many young people are searching for it and finding it in faith and Christianity.”
Oliver: “Let us have more fun! Everyone figures things out in their own time.”

Liam & Laura – Hunter Christian School

Liam and Laura shared their thoughts on how social media has changed and how they would approach it as parents.
Liam: “It’s (social media) become more algorithm-based, people make all this content that isn’t as real or fun as it would have been to get more clicks”
Laura: “There’s so much pressure to be perfect on social media… I would hold off as long as possible”

Alfreda & Ethan – Hunter Christian School

Alfreda and Ethan gave advice to their younger selves about enjoying school and managing social media.
Alfreda: “If youre going to a point in life where you don’t want to be in high school, realise that it’s going to get better. If you have the right people and friends with you, it will help you”
Ethan: “Just enjoy it… be yourself. Don’t wait for Year 9; there’s no pressure.”

Jack & Aiden – SPCC Port Stephens

Jack and Aiden share heartfelt advice for both parents and students, from encouraging your kids to chase their passions to staying positive through the high school journey.

Jack: “Always be encouraging your kids to do better and to give everything a shot. There might be that one thing that they’re not sure if they want to have a crack at. If they bring something to you that they are so interested in… take interest in it. I love it when my parents take interest in what I do.”

Aiden: “Year 7 was probably the best year of my life… this new place that you’re going to, it’s going to be fantastic… just get through it, Year 12 is only a few years away. Study up and prepare for the future.”

Deacon & Sophia – Maitland Christian School

Deacon and Sophie share their insights on the difference between now and then for young people and the social media ban.

Deacon: “It’s a big part of everyone’s lives, and that comes with impact. There’s a duality, but there are some negative impacts. People long for connection, but social media has made people complacent with meeting people face to face”

Sophia: “You have to be careful not to fall into the trap of just talking to someone online, and just really value the face-to-face”

Next Gen Week reminded us how valuable it is to listen to young people, support their growth, and provide safe spaces to explore faith, life, and technology. Their honesty and insights encourage us to reflect on how we guide, mentor, and walk alongside the next generation.

As it says in Proverbs 22:6 (NIV):
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

We hope these reflections inspire conversations, connection, and understanding across generations. Let’s continue to encourage and uplift young people in our community, just as God calls us to.