A social enterprise providing education and information to protect and enhance the mental health of young people
In the past ten years, the amount of time our kids spend online daily has tripled; online screen time has become a regular part of even our younger kids' lives. (Four in ten 2- to 4-year olds and half of 5- to 8-year-olds now use smartphones, video iPods or iPads). Though there are clear benefits, [...]
The term ‘microagression’ was first coined by psychiatrist Chester M. Pierce in 1970 to describe the everyday things we say or do which causes someone to feel ‘othered’. Originally a racially-related phenomenon, its definition has since evolved to include any subtle verbal or non-verbal communication that conveys insensitivity towards a person’s sex, social status, physical [...]
At the end of the week marking International Women’s Day (March 8), a trending YouTube phenomenon lets us know that we haven’t come a long way at all. Girls as young as 11 are posting clips on YouTube asking the world to judge them by answering one simple question: “Am I ugly or pretty?” There [...]
A NEW report shows 12,000 Tasmanians suffer from anorexia nervosa or bulimia.It says the state needs a dedicated eating disorder co-ordinator to oversee better local support services. The Sprouting Seeds report, compiled by the Hobart Women's Health Centre, says another 20,000 Tasmanians are impacted by binge eating disorders and the provision of a specialist eating [...]
Distinguishing between mood disorders and the normal difficulties of adolescence is not always easy, but a new program has been developed by the institute to give teachers and students a better understanding of mental health issues. The HeadStrong program uses classroom activities to share information and prompt discussions on depression and bipolar disorders, at-risk personality [...]
Earlier this month Federal Member for Kingston (S.A), Amanda Rishworth, moved a Private Members Motion acknowledging the findings of the UK Government’s review Letting the Children be Children on the commercialisation and sexualisation of childhood. It is heartening for those of us involved in this issue to see MP’s like Rishworth take the lead on [...]
This week the Black Dog Institute (BDI) announced the roll out of its Headstrong program. With the assistance of a $500,000 grant from the NIB Foundation, The BDI plan to train over 1500 teachers in the delivery of the program in an attempt to reach over 30,000 students. Mapped to satisfy the requirements of the [...]
The complex and emerging field of problematic internet use (PIU), commonly dubbed ‘internet addiction’, requires a comprehensive, empathic and culturally-sensitive approach to assessment, before one can commence treatment, or therapy. As indicated in my earlier article for Generation Next (January 2012), a few key points must be borne in mind during the assessment process: First, [...]
Traumatic images and stories of death and destruction following both man-made and natural disasters can cause great concern in young people. This occurs, not only for those directly affected, but children with a perceived threat of danger. Here are some tips on how you can help them: 1-Turn off the TV. Overexposure to coverage affects [...]
The St John's rector, Michael Bongers, last Thursday suspended 30 students for forcing a female student during O-Week to drink alcohol. She was allergic to it and ended up in hospital. This event comes as no surprise to those who have gone through similar experiences. via Trial by ordeal to enter university college's hallowed halls. [...]
