The Importance of Integrity and Online Responsibility

At this week's House Mass, I referenced the incident involving some students from a western suburbs school reportedly making vile statements about women on public transport. It shocks me whenever I hear such things as I'm sure it shocks every decent person. What I am sure about is that those boys did not learn that behaviour, or those attitudes, from their school's teachers, or their parents. In fact, their teachers and parents must be broken-hearted that their students and sons can revert to such attitudes. In the first reading at Mass, God lamented that His people kept refusing the messages of His prophets to follow the messages of God and good and instead chose the ways of evil doers. Your son's prophets, in this day and age, are his parents, his family and his school community, who deeply care about him, his formation, his safety and his future success, and yet influencers like Andrew Tate manage to prey on boys, who are seeking to find who they are, and do so with only financial motivation and at great cost for the boys who seek to follow him.

Today's world can be a nightmare for a young person to navigate. The hot topic for many teachers and parents I've been interviewing this week is Netflix's Adolescence, which explores the reality of growing up in a digital world, where a single moment of poor judgment can have lasting consequences. What may seem like harmless banter, a thoughtless comment, or a private joke can quickly escalate into something damaging - hurting others, damaging reputations, and undermining the values you stand for. A single post, comment, or message - sent in the heat of the moment - can be screenshotted, shared, and never truly deleted. It might be used against you tomorrow, next year, or even in your career.

At CBC Fremantle, our students do not simply wear a uniform; they are guided to embody the values that define them as CBC gentlemen. Integrity, respect, accountability, and service are not just words - they are expectations that should be lived at all times, in every interaction, whether in person or online.

As young men, your character is shaped not just by the choices you make when people are watching, but by the decisions you take when you think no one is. Social media and online interactions are no exception.

At CBC Fremantle, our boys are called to be men of integrity. This means:

• Respecting others - both in person and behind a screen. If you wouldn't say it in real life, don't post it online.
• Taking responsibility - for your words, actions, and the digital footprint you leave behind.
• Uplifting, not degrading - whether through group chats, social media, or gaming platforms, your digital presence should reflect the best version of yourself.

Being a CBC gentleman doesn't end at 3:15pm or when you log into your phone. It is a 24/7 commitment to living with purpose, making wise decisions, and holding yourself to a higher standard.

Before you post, comment, or engage online, ask yourself:
✔ Does this reflect the man I am striving to become?
✔ Would I be proud to stand by this in front of my family, teachers, and future employer?
✔ Am I choosing integrity over momentary impulse?
✔ Would this make my family or school proud?
✔ Am I leading with integrity or just following the crowd?

The message for our boys is:
The world is watching - not just what you say and do, but who you are. Be proud of the legacy you are building and never forget that a CBC gentleman leads with character, no matter where he is.

Real-World Consequences
Colleges, employers, and sports teams routinely check social media when considering applicants. In Adolescence, a character's reckless online behaviour leads to isolation, mistrust, and lost opportunities. The same is true in reality - what you post can define you.

• Disrespectful comments, offensive jokes, or private group chats can resurface - costing friendships and reputations.
• Screenshots last forever- even if you delete a post, it can still be shared.
• Online harassment or poor choices can have legal and disciplinary consequences - at school and beyond.

At CBC Fremantle, we hold each other accountable. If you see a mate making a mistake online, speak up. A real gentleman looks out for others and knows that silence in the face of wrongdoing is just as damaging.

The Path Forward: A CBC Gentleman Owns His Actions
If you've posted something that doesn't reflect your best self, take responsibility:

• Delete it.
• Apologise if necessary.
• Commit to being better moving forward.

Mistakes don't define you - how you respond to them does.

At CBC Fremantle, we don't just teach values - we aspire to live them.

And finally for the parents …..
In an era where the online world shapes much of our daily interactions, young people are constantly influenced by digital content that can either reinforce positive values or erode them. You and your sons should all know the non-negotiables about being a member of this community. Overwhelmingly, your sons make us proud every day. They should be affirmed for this, but it never hurts to just take a minute to talk whenever an incident, like the one reported this week, occurs. Just check and take the time to engage your son and discuss his online behaviour and his behaviour in general, especially when it comes to respect for women and let him know how your aspirations, love and hopes for him and his future should be his guiding light in what kind of man he is seeking to become. I thank you all for your steadfast support.

Domencic Burgio
Principal