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<\/p>\nAs a mother of two young men, keeping an eye on their mental health is always at the forefront of my mind. Parenting is a delicate balancing act\u2014setting boundaries, staying connected in the hope they\u2019ll come to you for help, and offering guidance while allowing them room to make mistakes. As parents, our instinct is to protect them and remove their pain, but doing so robs them of crucial life lessons that build identity, drive, and contribute to raising resilient youth.<\/p>\n
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When my sister had her son, she asked me, “What’s the best advice you can give me?” I told her, “It never gets easier; each stage is different,” and I still stand by that. When our kids level up, we need to level up as parents, which isn\u2019t easy! The bigger they get, the bigger the potential problems and risks\u2014and there\u2019s no handbook for any of this!<\/p>\n
Life for today\u2019s teens is worlds apart from how I grew up. Social media is a pressure cooker, academic stress is overwhelming, and the endless messages about who they should be and what they should look like are constant. Social comparison is immediate and relentless, and the suffocating feeling of not measuring up is all too real.<\/p>\n
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Having conversations with parents, teachers, and teens, I hear firsthand how the youth mental health crisis has moved beyond headlines and sound bites. Many parents are juggling teens, aging parents, and the chaos of daily life, while Teachers are overburdened with an exhausting curriculum and behaviour management challenges.<\/p>\n
Where did it all go so wrong?<\/p>\n
There needs to be a shift in multiple areas for us to see real change.<\/p>\n
Parents are struggling under financial pressure, often requiring two incomes just to make ends meet. They come home after a long workday, shuttle kids between activities, manage homework, cook dinner, and collapse into bed, only to repeat the cycle the next day. With their energy drained, many turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol. As parents, we lead by example, and while “do as I say” falls on deaf ears, “do as I do” resonates deeply. We need to press pause and prioritise our mental health, self-care, and nervous system regulation. When we are regulated, we help co-regulate our children.<\/p>\n
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Educators face their own struggles. Recent news stories about violence against teachers in the classroom are deeply concerning. While past disciplinary methods weren\u2019t perfect, violence against teachers was unheard of when I was in school. Today, escalating student behaviour, increasing administrative demands, and unreasonable expectations from parents are pushing teachers to their limits.<\/p>\n
The numbers speak for themselves: last year, more than 76,000 Queensland students were suspended, and teachers are facing verbal abuse from parents on a regular basis. Workers’ compensation claims for psychological and physical injuries in schools have skyrocketed, reflecting the stress and pressure teachers face.<\/p>\n
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Our youth are also dealing with alarming rates of diagnosed medical conditions, and while accommodations are necessary, poor behaviour still needs to be addressed with boundaries and consequences. We\u2019re also losing the art of real connection\u2014everyone is glued to a screen, and family dinners seem to be reserved for special occasions. The village it once took to raise a child is no longer there, and social media, which promises connection, often leaves us feeling lonely.<\/p>\n
When delivering our Youth Street Smart and Wellbeing Program I\u2019ve found our teens are acutely aware of the signs of mental health struggles like anxiety and depression. Yet they often lack the skills to support a friend in need or manage their own mental health, which is why this program is so important. Teens, as well as their schools, appreciate the real impact these programs can have on their lives.<\/p>\n
<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\nMental health still carries a stigma, especially for boys, who are often told to “tough it out” or “be a big boy.” This mindset suppresses emotions and leads to low emotional intelligence, poor relationships, and increased anxiety and depression. Disturbingly, males are three times more likely to die by suicide than females.<\/p>\n
One of the most important things we can do is normalise conversations around mental health. When we talk about it openly, we send the message that it\u2019s okay to seek help. Schools, families, and communities need to create spaces where young people feel safe to express what they\u2019re going through without fear of judgment.<\/p>\n
We often forget that young people are still learning how to manage their emotions and mental well-being. Schools can play a huge role here, teaching students practical ways to take care of themselves. From breathing exercises to mindfulness techniques, there are simple yet effective tools that can help them navigate stress.<\/p>\n
Helping teens build real, meaningful connections is critical. Encouraging face-to-face interactions, teaching them how to support one another, and focusing on empathy over competition can make a huge difference. Peer support programs can be especially impactful, giving students the opportunity to help each other through tough times.<\/p>\n
Parents, teachers, and friends can all play a role in spotting the early signs of mental health struggles. Subtle changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal, mood swings, or a drop in academic performance, can be red flags. The sooner we acknowledge these signs, the sooner we can intervene and offer support.<\/p>\n
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It\u2019s crucial for our youth to learn life lessons, as these experiences shape their ability to adapt, problem-solve, and build resilience. Challenges and setbacks teach valuable lessons about perseverance, responsibility, and self-reliance. Allowing them to face and overcome struggles (with you in the background as the quiet observer) helps build the resilience they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.<\/p>\n
Have conversations with our youth about influences and tik tokers, more often than not these influences are uneducated in the field they are preaching, are giving harmful advice and have their own agenda.<\/p>\n
Understanding their values is essential for our youth, as it gives them clarity and direction in life. It helps them make decisions, navigate peer pressure, and stay true to themselves. By knowing what they stand for, they gain confidence and develop a strong moral compass that guides them through challenges.<\/p>\n
Parents who prioritise their own mental health and self-care set a powerful example for their children, showing that it\u2019s okay to take time for yourself and seek help when needed. By modelling healthy coping strategies and emotional resilience, you teach kids how to manage stress and handle challenges effectively.<\/p>\n
Parents and the community can support Teachers by having respectful communication and by reinforcing positive behaviour expectations at home. Volunteering time, whether in the classroom or at school events, can ease the pressure on Teachers. Respecting boundaries and advocating for a better work \/ life balance will help reduce Teacher stress and burnout.<\/p>\n
For everyone!\u00a0But for our youth by encourage a balance between academics, social life, and downtime helps prevent burnout and promotes mental well-being.\u00a0Encourage physical activity has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase overall mental well-being.<\/p>\n
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Finally, there\u2019s no replacement for professional help. Therapists, counsellors, and psychologists are trained to guide young people through their struggles in a way that friends and family might not be able to. Encouraging young people to reach out to a professional when they need it is one of the most powerful things we can do.<\/p>\n
Our youth are our future, and their mental well-being is a priority we cannot ignore. While the current crisis is complex, the solutions don\u2019t have to be. It starts with awareness, conversation, and care. We all need to take ownership and do our little bit to steer the direction of change for the better.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s keep the conversation going, and let\u2019s keep showing up for our young people. After all, they deserve nothing less.<\/p>\n
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These programs are not about what you \u2018should\u2019 or shouldn\u2019t\u2019 do, we teach them skills and strategies to cope when things do go wrong.<\/p>\n
60 \u2013 90 minutes of fun, engaging, age-appropriate education.\u00a0The class is experiential, students will experience different techniques and walk away with life skills and strategies.<\/p>\n
Program benefits:<\/p>\n
An age appropriate introduction to the basics of CPR and First Aid. Creating awareness in managing \u2018big emotions\u2019 how to self soothe and regulate their own nervous system. We are never to young to learn, we are here to support you in raising resilient youth!<\/p>\n
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