A social enterprise providing education and information to protect and enhance the mental health of young people
Juliana Zabatiero, Curtin University; Kate Highfield, University of Canberra; Leon Straker, Curtin University, and Susan Edwards, Australian Catholic University Many Australian parents worry about how much time their children spend watching screens. While some time on devices is fine for entertainment and education, we also know it is important children do things away from TVs [...]
Michoel Moshel, Macquarie University; Jennifer Batchelor, Macquarie University; Joanne Bennett, Australian Catholic University, and Wayne Warburton, Macquarie University Screens have become seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, serving as indispensable tools for work, education and leisure. But while they enrich our lives in countless ways, we often fail to consider the potential impact of screen [...]
Taren Sanders, Australian Catholic University; Chris Lonsdale, Australian Catholic University; Michael Noetel, The University of Queensland, and Philip D Parker, Australian Catholic University Ask any parent and it’s likely they’ll tell you they’re worried about their kids’ screen time. A 2021 poll found it was Australian parents’ number one health concern for their kids – [...]
Eva Surawy Stepney, University of Sheffield Readers are advised that this article contains explicit discussion of suicide and suicidal and obsessional thoughts. If you are in need of support, contact details are included at the end of the article. At the age of 12, “out of nowhere”, Matt says he started having repetitive thoughts concerning [...]
Cher McGillivray, Bond University Problems with focus and impulse control can be common developmental stages through which children and adolescents naturally progress. But they can also be symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a chronic condition. ADHD is a pattern of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity (or both) that interferes with functioning or development, [...]
“Diagnostic delay” is a major concern for children and young people with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – and also for their loved ones. The “delay” is the gap between first concerns about a child’s development, and their eventual diagnosis. In some cases this can be more than five years. Monash PhD candidate [...]
Join Andrew Fuller as he chats with guest Dr Rachael Sharman on virtual autism and the effects of technology on the human brain in the developing minds of young people. Adolescents and young children in a technology dependent world Is there a link between mental illness and technology? Effects of over-exposure to screen time in [...]
Nigel Howard, Flinders University and Andrew Bills, Flinders University Earlier this month, the ABC reported an alarming national poll about school refusal. Of the 1,000 parents surveyed by the Greens-commissioned poll, 39% agreed or strongly agreed their child had experienced school refusal in the past year. School refusal is already on the radar for policymakers. [...]
Josh Ambrosy, Federation University Australia Each year in Victoria, thousands of students disengage from school between the start of Year 9 and the end of Year 12. Many are expelled or suspended. Others simply switch off in class, skip lessons, or quit school to seek out different educational and training pathways. Whatever the reason, many [...]
Deborah Pino Pasternak, University of Canberra Many of us remember vividly being yelled at or feeling threatened by a family member, a teacher, or a boss. Terrifying experiences often get imprinted in our memory; remembering frightening events is essential to avoid them in future. It is a normal reaction that promotes our survival. This strong [...]
