SA teachers take action to keep schools safe
Wednesday, 3 Jun 2026
South Australian teachers are taking action to keep schools safe from the rise of controversial manosphere culture, risks faced by young people in the online world, and the increasing needs of children growing up in a more complex and connected world as part of Life Ed SA’s Youth Connect forum.
Safe schools aren't built by policy alone. They're built by people – and teachers are the most powerful child protection tool we have. Every teacher knows something feels off long before anyone else does. My session is about giving them the confidence, the language, the steps and the permission to act on that instinct.
Kristi McVee spent a decade investigating child sexual abuse cases before leaving the Police Force in 2020 to focus on prevention. She is one of the thought-provoking speakers set to challenge perspectives at this year’s Youth Connect event on Friday, 18 September at Hectorville Sports Club, Magill.
The format is in for a shake-up with Mike Dyson, Wellbeing and Education Leader from Good Blokes Co, to lead a practical, experiential workshop on building better relationships with boys in a world where gender narratives and fake news are prominent.
It’s about young men taking responsibility for each other, empowering boys to support a mate who’s struggling, or to call up a mate whose behaviour is out of line. Problematic behaviour from boys has very clear causes in recent societal shifts. It’s important that we remove the mystery so that teachers can intervene from a place of deep understanding.
Youth Connect will also feature Kate Keisler, Occupational Therapist and Director of Calm and Connected, which hosts camps for children on the NDIS. She will explore regulation as a foundation for learning and how intensity can be redirected in complex learning environments.
So much of teaching involves co-regulation. Children often borrow from the nervous system of the adults around them, which means supporting your own regulation becomes essential. Learning practical body-based tools is a powerful part of creating calm, connected classrooms.
Hosted by renowned comedian and MC, Libby Trainor Parker, the event promises an engaging blend of entertainment, expert insights and open discussions – much like a Life Ed school visit with the iconic Healthy Harold.
The not-to-be-missed event will give school leaders, wellbeing coordinators, teachers and youth workers a chance to learn, share and connect – and can be counted towards professional development hours.
