Generation Next Blog

February 2015

Cerebral Palsy – It Can Be In Your Genes

By |2015-02-16T00:24:37+11:00February 16th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Science & Research|Tags: , , , , , |

It has long been the belief that cerebral palsy occurs when a child experiences a lack of oxygen during pregnancy or at birth; however, the Australian Collaborative Cerebral Palsy Research Group, based at the University of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute, has found at least 14% of cerebral palsy cases are likely caused by a genetic [...]

Heavy Metal Music has Negative Impacts on Youth

By |2015-02-16T00:03:40+11:00February 16th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Technology|Tags: , , , , , , |

Dr McFerran said parents should be aware of their children’s music listening habits, pick up on early warning signs and take early action. “If parents are worried, they should ask their children questions like – how does that music make you feel? If children say the music reflects or mirrors the way they feel then [...]

Domestic Violence Funding in NSW

By |2015-02-12T13:11:21+11:00February 12th, 2015|Categories: Society & Culture|Tags: , , , , |

Rosie Batty's elevation to Australian of the Year has intensified pressure on the NSW government, two months from an election, to overhaul its approach to tackling the "serious epidemic" of domestic violence. Buoyed by Ms Batty's calls for stronger leadership and increased funding to cut family violence rates, Domestic Violence NSW will demand an extra [...]

The 13 Ways to Anti-Age Your Brain

By |2015-02-09T22:12:20+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

The risk of dementia doubles every five years after the age of 65 in Australia. And whereas before little was  known about this debilitating disease, we now have "some good ideas as to what may be the contributing mechanisms", says Professor Perminder Sachdev, co-director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), UNSW. While there's no [...]

First National Report Released on Gender Identity and The Mental Health of Young People

By |2015-02-09T09:12:20+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Society & Culture|Tags: , , , , , , |

An Australian first La Trobe University study of gender diverse and transgender young people has revealed high rates of depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety. The beyondblue funded report, From blues to rainbows: the mental health and well-being of gender diverse and transgender young people in Australia, found that half were diagnosed with depression and two thirds had experienced [...]

Raising Non-Materialistic Children in a Material World

By |2015-02-09T08:55:56+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Society & Culture|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

The last few weeks have seen me embark on a clutter clearing frenzy.  As I work to eliminate the clutter from my home, filling our rubbish bins and donation boxes to their brim, I can’t help but consider the meaning our society attaches to material objects and how this impacts happiness.  So, following another weekend of [...]

Using an iPad or Smartphone Can Harm A Toddler’s Learning and Social Skills

By |2015-02-09T08:34:32+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Science & Research|Tags: , , , , , , |

Children younger than 30 months “cannot learn from television and videos as they do from real-life interactions.” And to use a mobile device before that age on tasks that aren’t educational can be “detrimental to the social-emotional development of the child.” Of particular concern, according to the recommendations, was how such technology could “interfere” with [...]

Free Will is NOT An Illusion

By |2015-02-09T08:20:49+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Science & Research|Tags: , , , , , |

The implications of this debate are profound. It determines our world view of whether we are victims of genetics and environment or bear responsibility for our intentions, decisions, and choices. I contend we are responsible for what we make of our brains and for our choices and decisions in life. In a free-will world, people [...]

Psychology of Food Shaming – Why People Food Shame

By |2015-02-09T08:07:54+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Society & Culture|Tags: , , , , , , |

Like a vegetarian censuring a meat-eater, a food-shamer will criticize someone who doesn't meet her definition of "good." The weird thing is that her idea of "good" could just as easily be a chia pod or a full-fat, finished-with-butter chocolate pudding—health doesn't seem to matter. via Psychology of Food Shaming - Why People Food Shame.

Harvard Study: Where Does Happiness Really Come From?

By |2015-02-09T07:56:06+11:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: Mental Health & Wellbeing, Science & Research|Tags: , , , , , |

“…It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Research proves this advice is scientifically sound. In a recent study from Harvard University, “Prosocial Spending and Happiness: Using Money to Benefit Others Pays Off” researchers looked at the connection between giving and happiness. Their paper clearly establishes a link between spending money on others versus [...]

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