Student Wellbeing
As we move into the upcoming school holidays, the Wellbeing Team and BHS want to share some practical ways to support our young people to stay mentally and emotionally well.
Holidays can bring welcome rest and freedom, but they also mean a break from familiar routines, friends and the support they experience during school. That can sometimes lead to feelings of stress, isolation or disconnection.
With some simple support from adults at home, we can help our young people stay grounded, connected and resilient.
Here are some helpful suggestions, based on guidance from Headspace:
Keep a loose daily routine - Encourage walking and sleeping at roughly the same times each day and keeping a sense of structure even over holidays.
Stay connected - Help them keep in touch with friends and family by phone, text or online. Even a message can make a difference.
Get active - Physical activity, even a simple walk or play, can lift mood, reduce stress and boost energy.
Eat well & sleep well – Balanced meals, good sleep hygiene (e.g. reducing caffeine, limiting screen use before bed, quiet/clutter-free bedroom) supports both brain and body.
Make time for fun, hobbies and creativity - Whether it’s a hobby, volunteering, art, music, sport, or just downtime, making space for joy, rest and creativity is important.
Set small, realistic goals together – Helping young people set and achieve small goals over the holidays can support motivation, confidence and give them a sense of purpose.
Watch For Warning Signs
If you notice any of the following behaviours persisting for more than a couple of weeks, these might be signs your young person could benefit from extra support:
Loss of interest in things they usually enjoy or withdrawn behaviour
Persistent low mood, frequent sadness or tearfulness
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating
Usual irritability, increased risk-taking (substance use, risky behaviour)
Expressing negative or distressing thoughts, or talk of self-harm or suicide, if this happens, seek help immediately
If any of these occur, or if you are simply concerned, you are not alone.
If you or your child would like confidential and free support:
Headspace centres provide support, information and advice to young people aged 12 to 25 – headspace.org.au
eheadspace provides online counselling and telephone support to young people aged 12 to 25 – eheadspace.org.au 1800 650 890
Kids Helpline is a 24-hour telephone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 – kidshelpline.com.au 1800 55 1800
Lifeline is a 24-hour telephone counselling service – lifeline.org.au 13 11 14
Parentline 1300 301 300
On behalf of the BHS Wellbeing team, we wish you and family a safe, restful and happy holiday break.