A social enterprise providing education and information to protect and enhance the mental health of young people
A recent survey of school children in NSW showed that young people are spending on average 3 hours per day in front of a screen (computer or tv), the majority of which is computer time. On weekdays about 44% of primary school and 61% of secondary school children spend more than the recommended 2 hours [...]
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a byproduct of plastics that are used for food and drink packaging. There is growing concern that exposure to BPA may have adverse health effects especially in children. This study assessed the association of BPA exposure on young children while they were still in the womb (ie during gestation). and found [...]
A recent study in the USA suggests links between junk food consumption and negative behaviours greater consumption of carbonated non-diet soft drinks was associated with an increased likelihood of carrying weapons or being violent towards others. Solnick SJ and Hemenway D. The ‘Twinkie Defense': The relationship between carbonated non-diet soft drinks and violence perpetration among [...]
10% of girls self harm* Image Source: Youthbeyondblue A recent study published in The Lancet, The natural history of self-harm from adolescence to young adulthood: a population-based cohort study, took a group of 1,943 young people from 44 schools in Victoria and documented their lives from the age of 14 to 29 years old. During [...]
The infamous phrase “does my bum look big in this?” will never be heard in the Winslet household. Why? Because actor Kate Winslet is determined to be a positive role model for her daughter Mia and every other girl out there who is approaching her teenage years. Image Source: Getty In 2003 Britain’s GQ magazine [...]
The law struggles to keep up with stores selling "legal highs" which are sometimes common substances such as caffeine pills but can also be more unusual and potentially dangerous ones for which there is no legal provision risk to health. Store operators are using legal loopholes to make profit often at the risk of young people's mental wellbeing.......young people are [...]
Teenagers need 9-10 hours sleep every night. Most get only 7-8 hours.* No night time stories here; just great tips on how to make sure kids get the sleep they need. Children and young people who do not get enough sleep may suffer from chronic sleep deprivation. This can affect their lives in many ways both [...]
In America the University of California, Berkeley has carried out a study (Thin-slicing study of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene and the evaluation and expression of the prosocial disposition) on the body's receptor gene oxytocin; a gene commonly associated with bonding, empathy expressions of love. They found that we are hardwired to recognise empathetic strangers [...]
Binge drinking is a major health and safety issue affecting Australian young people, particularly females, this story is a clear illustration of how the pubs, clubs and alcohol industry is not only cashing in on the trend but driving it as well. "Anything that exploits the vulnerability of young people is contemptible and offering free vodka to [...]
A recent study on schoolies behaviour patterns confirms general perceptions about what young people do during the week long "celebration" at the Gold Coast. However it also revealed that many young people don't regard it as a positive experience but do it because it is considered the social norm and there are no other alternatives. Chief executive [...]
