A social enterprise providing education and information to protect and enhance the mental health of young people
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 [...]
It's well known that alcohol consumption, especially excessive consumption, predisposes to mental illness. It's also known that women are more vulnerable to this risk than men. Experts are also concerned about the growing rates of alcohol abuse in teenagers as well as working age women who might feel that their consumption patterns are "normal" when in [...]
The Mission Australia survey of Australian young people consistently indicates that body image more is more troubling to them than issues such as the environment and discrimination. We are now seeing primary school aged children dieting in order to bring their appearance more in line with expectations set by the media. Below is an example of how [...]
Great article about the use of sexualisation of women and chilren in advertising. Read it and tell reccommend it to others! Stop making sex objects of women and kids - mUmBRELLA.
There is now a growing realization that while it is true that negative thoughts and feelings are bad for you, forcing oneself to have positive thoughts and feelings doesn’t seem to have the opposite effect. In fact there are many health professionals who complain that they are often called upon to deal with the fall [...]
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, here is a website that specialises in good news stories. The site is more or less a reaction to the fact that most news outlets are relentlessly depressing. The antidote is of course to focus on good news. In this respect it's an important development, [...]
Many schools and other organisations will go through the experience of having one of their young people attempt or complete a suicide. All people can help young people experiencing suicidal thoughts by providing emotional and practical support. Here's a useful website that offers practical advice about warning signs, intervention strategies, triggers, myths and facts. http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Youth_suicide_prevention_the_warning_signs [...]
Generation Next is hosting a series of Mental Health & Wellbeing Seminars around Australia during 2012. Generation Next brings together Australia’s Leading Experts on Children & Teenagers in one Event to give education and health professionals a seminar series and supporting resources aimed at protecting and enhancing the wellbeing of our children and teenagers.
