Supporting children and teenagers' mental health and wellbeing

It's Psychology Week 2022 and the focus this year is on the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. Data shows that up to 46% of children on the autism spectrum between 3-16 years and 70% of children aged 10-14 experience at least one mental health condition. By building an awareness of mental health and by taking action to address it, children on the autism spectrum and their parents and caregivers can improve mental wellbeing. Here are some resources that you might find helpful...

• The Konfident Kidz website in the UK has some lovely social support resources that celebrate neurodiversity.
• The Queensland Health website has a great article about how to have those conversations about Mental Health and Wellbeing with children.
• Kids Helpline – is a 24/7 Phone Counselling Service for children between the ages of 5 – 25 (phone line 1800 551 800 - Anytime. Any Reason). The website also has a variety of resources and activities for children, young people, their parents and carers, teachers and schools to support their wellbeing, mental health and development. A great example of a resource is this one sharing tips about how to support a child or young person with anxiety

• eSafety – one of the biggest influences on young people today is the online world and social media. Find out how we can be helping our children and young people navigate this safely and protect themselves from online abuse and bullying amongst other things. The office of the eSafety Commissioner website has pages suited to kids, young people and parents to help educate and encourage online safety. There are some great scripted resources for parents to support them to have conversations about online pornography and children’s safety.
• Head Space – this service provides mental health supports for youth between the ages of 12-25 either in person at one of this centres, online or over the phone. Their website has information for young people themselves or anyone else supporting a young person including parents, carers, family members, educators and employers.
• Young Carers Network - There are more than 235,000 young people who are in a caring role in Australia today and many more who are siblings of a person with a disability, chronic illness or mental health issue. The Young Carers Network and Siblings Australia both provide a variety of supports and resources that may include social groups and counselling supports.
• Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) Facts sheets - download our Mental Health and Wellbeing fact sheet.