"This day contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging all people to invest more time in their personal relationships and building their informal support networks. By having conversations and being alert to those around us, we can help identify signs of distress."
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
"Social media influencers often present a highly curated and filtered version of their lives, showcasing only the positive aspects. This can create unrealistic beauty standards, success and happiness for children. Constant exposure to this may lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth and dissatisfaction."
Dr Emma Woodward
"NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities."
Dyonne Anderson
“The evidence show us that having a supportive discussion about a stressful event can actually decrease a young person’s distress. Answering their questions honestly will help them process any difficult emotions that may arise."
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
“If you swear at someone, or about someone, you are actually committing an act of verbal violence. You transgress the usual rules of social interaction, impinging upon someone's self-image and their sense of dignity."
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
“As human beings, our brains haven’t evolved fast enough to adapt to the digital world that we now live in. This means that the overload of messages that we receive through ever-present media platforms often results in stress, anxiety, and overwhelm."
Dr Emma Woodward
“Parents can help instil hope by encouraging their kids to see life as it is. Human beings, particularly young ones, hate uncertainty and often their natural response is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety."
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
“Mothers play a critical role in the family, which is a powerful force for social cohesion and integration. In essence, the mother-child relationship is vital for the healthy development of children and in their journey to independence."
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
“Vaping is quickly becoming an epidemic due to the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. This trendy, but risk-taking activity, is causing significant peer pressure and there is mounting evidence that long-term repeated use of e-cigarettes will cause lung injury and respiratory symptoms."
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
“Children who spend more time with their fathers during adolescence, usually have better social skills and a higher self-worth than those who do not. Fathers need to get in there and be involved, even if they get pushed away. Being persistent and present is important."
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
“Research shows there are specific risk factors that increase the likelihood of teenagers developing a mental health problem. Some are set in stone, and others are modifiable. It can impact their ability to function and perform normal activities."
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
“Whilst most children are resilient and seem to be demonstrating a remarkable capacity to manage this challenging time, others are not faring as well. This makes it really important for parents to be vigilant for any signs of distress."
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
“Disappointment is a normal, though difficult, part of growing up and can be a tricky emotion to deal with at any age. How your children learn to respond to disappointment will determine its impact on their future achievement and happiness.”
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
“Many parents today are afflicted with a Vitamin N deficiency…the inability to say, “No” to their children. It's incredibly important that parents set limits and boundaries. The consequences of bad parenting has both short and long-term effects.”
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg
“Up to 70% of primary school kids are on social media but they simply do not have the neurological maturity to manage their digital footprint. Parents need to get tough and understand the risks associated with it.”
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg