ReachOut has today released new articles for young people experiencing distress related to Australia Day, featuring practical self-help and tips for parents on how they can support their teenagers.
ReachOut CEO Ashley de Silva said that while the debate about Australia Day continues, we need to remember that for many the day is linked with a range of difficult emotions.
“For many, Australia Day is a difficult day,” Mr de Silva said.
“There are things young people can do to help cope with difficult feelings about the day and it’s important to remember that those feelings might be having an impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Parents can also play a key role in supporting their teenager.”
“Things like taking a break from social media for a day or volunteering at an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander festival can really help.”
The new self-help articles are available via ReachOut.com and ReachOut.com/Parents.
ReachOut also has educational information about Australia Day, and which helps people to learn about the history of the day, understand what the debate is about and make up their own minds.
Tips for young people experiencing distress in relation to Australia Day
- Connect with culture through things like artwork which you can find in a gallery or on a bush walk
- Attend or volunteer at an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander festival
- Find out more about all sides of the debate
Tips for parents supporting young people on Australia Day
- Open up a conversation with your teenager on the topic
- Sit down with your teenager to watch one of the many indigenous TV shows or movies on offer such as Black Comedy, Samson and Delilah, Radiance, and Jasper Jones. All of these and more are showing on NITV.
- Switch off social media in solidarity with your teenager if the debate is having a negative impact on them.
For more information about ReachOut visit ReachOut.com or ReachOut.com/Parents.
Media Contact
Tessa Anderssen / 0411 708 587 / tessa@reachout.com
About ReachOut
ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. Their practical support, tools and tips help young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough times – and the information they offer parents makes it easier for parents to help their teenagers, too.
ReachOut has been changing the way people access help since launching as the world’s first online mental health service more than 20 years ago. Everything they create is based on the latest evidence and designed with experts, and young people or their parents. This is why ReachOut’s digital self-help tools are trusted, relevant and easy to use.
Available for free anytime and pretty much anywhere, ReachOut is accessed by 132,000 people in Australia every month. That’s more than 1.58 million each year.
ReachOut CEO Ashley de Silva said that while the debate about Australia Day continues, we need to remember that for many the day is linked with a range of difficult emotions.
“For many, Australia Day is a difficult day,” Mr de Silva said.
“There are things young people can do to help cope with difficult feelings about the day and it’s important to remember that those feelings might be having an impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Parents can also play a key role in supporting their teenager.”
“Things like taking a break from social media for a day or volunteering at an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander festival can really help.”
The new self-help articles are available via ReachOut.com and ReachOut.com/Parents.
ReachOut also has educational information about Australia Day, and which helps people to learn about the history of the day, understand what the debate is about and make up their own minds.
Tips for young people experiencing distress in relation to Australia Day
- Connect with culture through things like artwork which you can find in a gallery or on a bush walk
- Attend or volunteer at an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander festival
- Find out more about all sides of the debate
Tips for parents supporting young people on Australia Day
- Open up a conversation with your teenager on the topic
- Sit down with your teenager to watch one of the many indigenous TV shows or movies on offer such as Black Comedy, Samson and Delilah, Radiance, and Jasper Jones. All of these and more are showing on NITV.
- Switch off social media in solidarity with your teenager if the debate is having a negative impact on them.
For more information about ReachOut visit ReachOut.com or ReachOut.com/Parents.
ENDS
Media Contact
Tessa Anderssen / 0411 708 587 / tessa@reachout.com
About ReachOut
ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. Their practical support, tools and tips help young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough times – and the information they offer parents makes it easier for parents to help their teenagers, too.
ReachOut has been changing the way people access help since launching as the world’s first online mental health service more than 20 years ago. Everything they create is based on the latest evidence and designed with experts, and young people or their parents. This is why ReachOut’s digital self-help tools are trusted, relevant and easy to use.
Available for free anytime and pretty much anywhere, ReachOut is accessed by 132,000 people in Australia every month. That’s more than 1.58 million each year.
