Wellbeing
SCHOOL TV SPECIAL REPORT: Instilling Hope In Uncertain Times
Although life is always filled with uncertainty, the levels we are currently experiencing are unprecedented and it is becoming evident that this is taking a toll on our young people. The most recent research from Mission Australia makes clear the breadth and depth the pandemic is having on our youth across the nation.
It appears that lockdowns and tighter restrictions will be with us for some time, but it is important in such times of uncertainty to instil hope and remain optimistic. Adult carers can play a vital role in helping young people reframe their worries, encouraging them to see life as it is and getting them to focus more on the things they can control, rather than those they can’t.
It’s important young people remain connected with their social networks during these times as often their natural response to uncertainty is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety. With the continued disruptions, mental health concerns are on the rise and it is evident that many students may need some extra support to achieve their goals. Parents can help their kids focus more on the good things in their life, rather than fill in the blanks with catastrophic narratives.
This Special Report outlines how adult carers can help instil hope and offer support in such times of uncertainty. If this Special Report raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.
Click here to view the special report
Tips for parents and carers during lockdown
It can be challenging to process and manage changes to routines and the uncertainty that comes with COVID-19 and related restrictions – including moving to remote learning.
To support our school community during this time, resources and support are available for parents, carers and families.
These resources will help to support the mental health and wellbeing of our students and the young people in our care during this time.
I encourage everyone in our community to access these resources and take care of themselves during this time.
Services and support for students and their families
A Quick Guide to Student Mental Health and Wellbeing resources is available for students, parents and carers looking to access expert guidance and resources to support wellbeing.
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students remains our priority this year, especially during the continued COVID-19 pandemic and while students are learning from home during the current circuit breaker restrictions.
For students, the guide includes resources to support their own mental health and wellbeing.
- Advice and resources for students about ways to adapt their learning during COVID-19, to look after themselves and where to get help.
- Wellbeing activities featuring AFL and AFLW players with tips on managing stress, staying active and gratitude.
- Smiling Mind mindfulness activities for senior secondary school students,
- econdary school students, including short videos, online tip sheets and meditations.
The guide also includes resources and supports for parents and carers to help them build their child’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. This includes:
- resources to support children’s physical, mental health and wellbeing
- wellbeing activities and conversation starters for parents of parents of primary school-aged children and parents of secondary school-aged children
- Raising Learners podcast series
- how to talk to your child about COVID-19
- headspace is running webinars for parents and carers about offering support when they are concerned about a young person’s mental health.
Wellbeing guidance for parents and carers is also available:
- on the Department’s website
- headspace has created a video providing tips to support parents and carers during lockdown
- through the confidential parent support hotline, Parentline, available 8am to midnight, seven days a week, Phone: 13 22 89.
Body Kind Families
Body Kind Families is a Butterfly Foundation initiative for parents of teenagers. It provides FREE resources and important tips on supporting positive body image. It also encourages everyone in a family to be kind to their own body and to others.
It includes resources for parents on:
- Building resilience to social media pressures
- Healthy eating and exercise behaviours
- Talking about appearance and weight
- Boys’ body image
- Body acceptance & compassion
- Warning signs and what to do if concerned
For more information and to receive free resources (videos, tips sheets, family activities & more) visit www.butterfly.org.au/bodykindfamilies
Headspace: September Chats
