Right now the news cycle and our feeds are flooded with stories about the dangers of AI, however research shows that young people in Australia are rapid adopters of this technology.
ReachOut’s CEO (Gary Groves) and the organisation’s Clinical Lead (Linda Williams) are in Perth this week (Mental Health Month) presenting on safe AI mental health support for young people in WA and across the country at the Global Mental Health Summit.
Interviews
Groves and Williams are available for interview about:
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how young people are using AI in their daily lives and when it comes to their mental health
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Ask ReachOut - a hybrid AI chatbot designed as a safe support tool for young people
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how Ask ReachOut provides young people with pathways to further support
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practical support tips for young people and their parents and carers
Quote
To be attributed to ReachOut CEO, Gary Groves:
“Young people are digital natives and AI is already integrated into their worlds. At the same time, we are facing a youth mental health crisis and our mental health system is highly fragmented and challenging for young people to navigate, especially when they are going through a tough time.
“Of course young people are turning to AI for mental health support - it’s free, always on and no appointment is required. However many of the AI tools young people are using were never designed with this use in mind and there are risks.
“Ask ReachOut is a personalised support tool which gives young people across Australia access to free and safe mental health support. This isn’t about replacing human support, it’s a first step so that young people can access information, tips and be connected with the right support for them,” he said.
Data points available on request:
- ReachOut service insights for young people across WA
- ReachOut AI survey from June 2026 - 580 respondents from across Australia aged 16 - 25
For information and support young people can visit ReachOut.com and parents and carers can visit ReachOut.com/Parents.
ENDS
About us:
About ReachOut
ReachOut is the leading online mental health service in Australia supporting young people during tough times.
ReachOut helps young people feel better about today and the future, no matter what challenge they’re facing. They provide a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, explore what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who understand their situation, and find the resources to help them manage their challenges now and in the future.
Anonymous, free and 100% online, ReachOut has been designed specifically for – and with – young people. From one-to-one support from experienced peer workers, to tips, stories and resources, ReachOut offers a wide range of support options that allow young people to engage in the ways they want to, when they want to, and has been doing so for more than 20 years.
And, ReachOut Parents and ReachOut Schools provide valuable information, resources and advice to help parents, carers and educators to better understand the young people in their lives and to play an active role in their wellbeing.
Socials
Instagram & TikTok: @reachout_aus
Instagram Parents: @reachout_parents
LinkedIn: @ReachOut Australia
Facebook: @ReachOutAus
Safe reporting
Contact details:
Tessa Mithieux / [email protected] / 0411 708 587
