A social enterprise providing education and information to protect and enhance the mental health of young people
Kathryn MacCallum, University of Canterbury We know COVID-19 and its associated changes to our work and learning habits caused a marked increase in the use of technology. More surprising, perhaps, is the impact these lockdowns have had on children’s and young people’s self-reported enjoyment of books and the overall positive impact this has made on [...]
When anxiety effects kids, some become ‘chatty & scatty’ while others become ‘broody & moody.’ Generally the ‘chatty & scatty’ kids become distractible & lose concentration, the ‘broody & moody’ kids become sullen, avoidant & lose motivation. They can become hypervigilant & see threats where they are none. I have written extensively about the treatment [...]
In this episode: Are concrete jungles hurting our children? Some science around the great outdoors and brain development Practical tips for putting together “greenspace prescriptions” Host: Andrew Fuller, Clinical psychologist and family therapist, speaker and creator of Learning Strengths Guest: Dr Rachael Sharman, Senior Lecturer; Psychology, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences Total time: [...]
Dr Dana McKay On International Women’s Day, like many people, I will read books about female heroes like Ada Lovelace to my daughter. But I will also read about them to my son. The Little People, Big Dreams books began life focusing on inspiring women including Marie Curie, Frida Kahlo and Coco Chanel, to name [...]
Yaqoot Fatima, James Cook University Adequate sleep is key to good health, well-being and proper functioning across all life stages but is especially critical for children. Poor sleep can inhibit rapid growth and development in early childhood. And it’s not just about sleep duration; the time one goes to bed also plays an important role [...]
Mary Iliadis, Deakin University; Bianca Fileborn, The University of Melbourne, and Rachel Loney-Howes, University of Wollongong The continuing media coverage of rape and sexual assault allegations faced by current and former political figures has put many sexual abuse survivors at risk of being traumatised all over again. Widespread media attention features near-constant social media updates [...]
Emma Tseris, University of Sydney and Nicole Moulding, University of South Australia This article discusses sexual assault, gendered violence and mental distress. Over the past week, some media commentary on the rape allegations against federal Attorney-General Christian Porter have used the alleged victim’s history of mental health difficulties to undermine and raise questions about the [...]
Shelly Makleff, Monash University More than 30,000 people have signed a petition, launched by ex-Sydney school girl Chanel Contos, demanding for consent to be at the forefront of sexual education in schools. The text in the petition states: Those who have signed this petition have done so because they are sad and angry that they [...]
Catherine Knight, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Even a short walk, an ocean view or a picnic by a river can leave us feeling invigorated and restored. There is now a growing body of evidence establishing the link between such nature encounters and our mental and physical well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has [...]
Researchers asked the question whether realistic dolls protect body satisfaction in young girls. The study published in the journal Body Image, measured the body perceptions and ideals of thirty-one girls aged 5 to 9 years before and after a playing in pairs with an ultra-thin doll, a realistic childlike doll or a car. Play with [...]
