New frontier for mental health

Social media counselling is the new frontier for mental health as young people increasingly go online to connect.
 

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT ONLINE

In a world first, Kids Helpline and The University of Sydney recently launched a new form of mental health support for Australian teenagers.

One in three teenagers have a social media account and one in five will suffer a mental health problem so we are using social media to support teens looking for counselling.

Using the Google Plus social networking platform, young people who contact Kids Helpline will be assessed. If appropriate, they’ll be directed to secure social networking areas for their age for online group counselling.

QUT News visited Kids Helpline to learn more about the project. Click here for the story.

If this pilot is successful, this innovative peer support model could allow us to provide ongoing support for even more young people. Tracy Adams, BoysTown CEO

This Mental Health Week we urge everyone to reach out via social media or in person and ask your children, partner, family, friends and colleagues if they are okay. Help raise awareness because mental health is worth talking about.

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.

#KidsHelplineAU #MentalAs