Youth mental health crisis: What experts say parents are missing

As Australians face a generational mental health crisis, experts have weighed in on how we can best protect our young people.

Smartphones are a ticking timebomb for teenagers. (File picture)

Experts have called for more to be done to prevent youth mental illness and suicide.

From cutting down screen time, to spotting the early signs of mental health struggles and understanding what bullying is, The Courier-Mail spoke with experts to raise awareness on how to best help our children.

Youth advocates and parenting experts have weighed in on what we need to do and the urgency to address the souring youth suicide rates gripping Australia.

Read more to learn how to help your kids.

Providing information on how to deal with bullying

According to Sally Sweeney from Dolly’s Dream, students need to know what their options are if they are being bullied.

“They need a clear understanding of what is acceptable behaviour, who they can speak to, what the outcomes will be, and also to know that they will be safe in speaking up,” she said.

Knowing how to spot the signs of a child experiencing bullying

Dolly’s Dream Head Sally Sweeney said to look out for any changes in their behaviour.

“Are they spending more time on their screen and less time going out with their friends? Has there been changes in their friendship groups? Are they talking less? There might be school refusal,” Ms Sweeney said.

“If you can see that their mood changes, or they flinch they might be having cyber bullying issues on their phone.”

Understanding your child, positive relationship and mental illness

Parenting expert Justin Coulson said positive relationships were “everything”.

“Just having somebody that you know is there for you unconditionally is one of the biggest protectors.”

Ms Sweeney said speaking up was crucial if you were struggling.

“If young person speaks to a trusted adult or parents speak to someone who can help and rather than what bullying used to be like decades ago, where you don’t talk to anyone about it for fear of repercussion, let’s have the conversation.”

Restricting screen time and encouraging physical activity

Mr Coulson said plenty of time in nature, physical activity and looking after general physical health, were things we needed more of.

“We’ve got really clear evidence isolating yourself, consuming substances, alcohol and other substances, not getting enough sleep, poor relationships, feeling incompetent, feeling like you’re out of control and have no personal agent, personal agency, a lack of physical health… these are the things that lead to lousy outcomes.”

Work together on shared future goals

Mr Coulson said too many people who died simply don’t have anything they’re working towards. “They don’t have a goal, they don’t have a vision, and they’re hopeless.”

“The second element of being hopeful is not just having a goal, but having a pathway to that goal. And if that pathway is blocked, finding ways around the blockage.”

Originally published as Youth mental health crisis: What experts say parents are missing