Mental health support for iGeneration

In a world first, Kids Helpline yesterday launched a project to provide safe and secure online group counselling to Australian teenagers using social media.

WE CARE. WE LISTEN.

CEO Tracy Adams and University of Sydney Psychologist Dr Andrew Campbell addressed a group of students and industry professionals as part of the University of Sydney 'Sydney Ideas' Faculty of Health Sciences public lecture series.

Speaking about the development of the BuddyHelp pilot project between Kids Helpline and University of Sydney, Dr Andrew Campbell explained how the project responds to the gap in services and the growing demand to migrate e-mental health support online.

Social media counselling is the new frontier for mental health because it responds to the changing habits of at-risk teens who are increasingly using social media to connect. Dr Andrew Campbell, University of Sydney

BuddyHelp will trial the use of the Google+ social networking platform to help young people manage their depression and anxiety. Under the project, young people who contact Kids Helpline may be directed to secure social networking areas for group discussion under the guidance of a qualified Kids Helpline counsellor.

In the meantime, if young people want to talk to someone they can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or use email or web counselling services.

Listen to Dr Andrew Campbell on ABC Radio talking about the BuddyHelp project.

Listen to Tracy Adams and Dr Andrew Campbell on the University of Sydney seminar podcast.

Or for more information on the pilot program see the media release.

We’d love your feedback about this innovative pilot program. Please comment below.

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