key points
-Families have identified social media (52%), online bullying (28%) and body image (26%) as the top three pressing issues impacting today’s young people.
-Positively, young people are regularly having mental health chats with family members, including on how to cope with stress (62%) and school or work (59%), with ‘in the car’ (48%) being the most preferred place to have conversations.
-As young people head into a new school year with the pressures of study and relationships, headspace is encouraging families to regularly check in with their young people to support their mental health.
With young people across the country heading back to school this week, headspace is encouraging families to continue to check in on their young people’s mental health in the face of study, work and relationship pressures.
New findings from the first-ever National Family Mental Health Survey released today reveal the issues Australian families believe are most impacting their young person’s mental health, with social media (52%), online bullying (28%) and body image (26%) identified as the top three issues impacting young people.
Furthermore, three in four (74%) family members said they believe the mental health of young people today is significantly more impacted compared to when they were young themselves.
Many families are already taking natural opportunities to check in with their young people. Those surveyed said they regularly discuss ways of coping with stress or pressure (62%), and topics relating to school or work (59%) with their young people, with the most popular place to have these mental health chats being ‘in the car’ (48%).
However, headspace is encouraging all parents, carers and family members to ensure they’re making time to chat to their young person during this period.
headspace’s National Clinical Advisor, Deb Mountjoy, said family is an important source of support for young people, particularly at the start of a new school or work year. This includes those transitioning from primary to secondary school, or into further study or the workforce.
“The start of a new year can be really exciting, however it’s also a time of change, so some young people can also feel nervous, uncertain or unsure about what the year will hold.
“Facing the challenge of a different environment and routine, making new friends and managing school work can also bring uncertainty.
“We encourage parents and families to regularly check in with their young people over the coming weeks to see how they’re feeling. It can also be helpful to prepare for going back to school or work, such as working out a healthy routine that balances study, social life, self-care and family time.
“While it’s normal to have a range of emotions during this time of change and transition, it can be helpful to reach out for support if you continue to feel concerned about your young person's wellbeing. This might also include concerns about their physical health including difficulties sleeping, eating or a loss of enjoyment in daily activities."
Support for young people aged 12 to 25 who are require support with their mental health is available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890.
If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) are available to talk 24/7.
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Notes to Editor: Key findings
-Family members cited social media (52%), online bullying (28%) and body image (26%) as the top three biggest perceived negative influences on young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
-74% family members believe the mental health of young people today is worse than it was in their youth, and 72% believe young people’s mental health is continuing to worsen.
-Coping with stress or pressure (62%), and school or work (59%) are the most common topics of mental health conversations that families are having with their young people.
-The most popular place for families to have conversations about mental health with their young people is ‘in the car’ (48%).
About headspace
headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year olds. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through our headspace services in 163 communities across Australia[1], our online and phone counselling services, our vocational services, and our presence in schools. headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study
support. For locations of headspace services, as well as factsheets and resources for young people and their families and friends, please visit the headspace website: headspace.org.au
[1]As at August 2024 and inclusive of licensed headspace centres, satellites and outposts
Contact details:
headspace Media & Communications: [email protected] or 0413 025 385
