adolescent

5 protective factors that promote positive body image

Vogue is to be commended on their recent stand again using skinny models. According to a Conde Nast International announcement, the 19 editors for Vogue magazines around the world have agreed to “not knowingly work with models under the age of 16 or who appear to have an eating disorder.” "Vogue believes that [...]

Tips on helping young people make friends

At any age friends play an integral part in people’s lives. For young people the forging of friendships is important for their social and mental development. However the process of making and keeping friends is not always easy. Children who feel they do not have friends may become withdrawn, exhibit antisocial behaviour and even become [...]

Helping young people with mental health issues use social media safely

27% of 18 to 24 year olds suffer mental health issues* The transition of young people into adults is no doubt an awkward phase for most teenagers. It is a time when they are most vulnerable to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders and addictions. Their understanding of these states of being [...]

Internet overuse and addiction – warning signs, prevention and detection

For many young players it is the ‘fantasy world’ of the game that attracts them and it is this that they become addicted to; they would rather live in a world of online games than participate in the real world around them. This is especially true of RPG’s (role playing games) where the player morphs [...]

Sexting: 5 tips to keep teenagers safe

90% of 15 to 17 year olds own a mobile phone* Girlfriend magazine: 40% of girl readers had sent explicit photos Mental Health & Wellbeing of Young People seminar speaker and Cyber safety expert Susan McLean defines sexting as: the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between mobile phones, but can [...]

Four strategies to foster positive body image in young people

 It seems the days of super skinny models are finally on their way out. This is great news for girls who struggle with their body image simply because they cannot achieve the emaciated looks they see in the media. In Holland the Elite Model Management has been forced to pay $93,500 for terminating a 3 [...]

Seven strategies to properly engage the teenage brain

    The latest imaging studies of the teenage brain show that it undergoes huge changes as young people approach their twenties. During this period, the brain doesn’t grow in size but rather it seems to significantly rewire itself in readiness for the major changes that lie ahead.  During this process the brain is [...]

10 strategies to help kids develop resilience

Resilience is the ability to ‘bounce back’ from life’s difficulties. For many young people it is vital to help them develop resilience strategies that promote well-being and develop coping mechanisms. Many resilient teenagers are seen as resourceful and are emotionally and mentally balanced. Andrew Fuller is a clinical psychologist and chairperson of the Mental Health [...]

Shifting Focus of 21st Century Teachers

In 2012, schools have to acknowledge the fact that their teachers have more face-to-face access to teenagers than their parents. This means that schools have a responsibility for so much more than just the academic performance of the students in their charge. Research by Professor Ian Schochet suggests that school attachment is vitally important, and could bear a [...]

Stop City Beach selling porn to young people!

City Beach surf store are selling pornographic clothing and merchandise, including caps and thongs, as well as countless other accessories and items from pencil cases to air fresheners.   They are a popular youth retailer that has a strong presence and influence in the youth market. These kinds of products only help to normalise the [...]

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