Supporting youth mental health

This innovative research will help future generations of young Australians.

HELPING KIDS ONLINE

Kids Helpline is working with the University of Sydney and the Black Dog Institute to pilot research projects. To provide greater online support for children and young people with mental health issues.

Our goal is to discover new information that may change the way online mental health services are provided in Australia and around the world.

Using Google Plus as the platform, the first project is trialling counsellor facilitated conversations. Participants are in a secure and private social network with others facing similar mental health concerns. The study evaluates how useful a mental health specific social network can be for young people.

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/Kids Helpline CEO

The second project catalogues search words and phrases used by 5-25 year olds. Mapping the specific words that different groups of children and young people use to seek help information about mental health. This study is the first of its kind and will help young people with mental health services more accurately and swiftly in the future.

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.

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