Health of the Nation: Experts’ advice on how to help teenagers with mental health, cyberbullying, vaping issues

Mental health, cyber bullying and vaping are some of the many issues young Aussies are facing. See experts’ tip on how to help them navigate the minefield.

Teenagers are going through major hormonal, social and emotional changes that can place them at risk, here’s some expert advice to help them through the minefield.

Almost one in two (44 per cent) of young Australians report having experienced negative online experiences and one in 16 experience online abuse.

The e-safety Commissioner’s website has some tips on how to recognise and deal with cyberbullying.

Adolescence can be a high risk time for suicide, below is some expert advice on how to recognise the signs and what to do if you think your child or friend is at risk.

Vaping is on the rise among teenagers and it can have severe health consequences but you need to be patient and open when you talk to your teenager about the issue.

SUICIDE PREVENTION ADVICE

*Warning signs: your teen is withdrawing from other people, is feeling worthless, isolated, lonely, getting stuck on negative thoughts, suffering poor sleep, anger, frustration, self harming, abusing alcohol and drugs

*Parents and carers are encouraged to talk to their teenager but not pressure them to talk.

SEE MORE ADVICE BELOW

HOW MANY AUSSIE KIDS ARE VAPING?

There have been huge changes in the use of drugs, alcohol and smoking in recent decades.

Smoking and alcohol consumption are in decline while the use of illicit drugs and vaping is on the rise.

Worryingly it was the younger generation – 19-49 year olds – who were most likely to smoke or vape. One in eight (12 per cent) young adults 18-29 with no kids smoked cigarettes and 17 per cent vaped.

Originally published as Health of the Nation: Experts’ advice on how to help teenagers with mental health, cyberbullying, vaping issues