Teens

Are We Protecting Youth Mental Health With the Social Media Ban—Or Creating New Challenges? By Susan George

The rise of platforms designed to be endlessly engaging has shaped the way an entire generation experiences connection, approval and identity. Even adults recognise how easy it is to fall into patterns of checking notifications without thinking. For teenagers, whose sense of self is still forming, the emotional pull of these interactions can feel even more intense. From 10 December 2025,...

From Setbacks to Strength: Helping Children & Adolescents Build Confidence and Resilence. By Susan George

Helping young people succeed goes beyond providing basic education and meeting their basic needs. It means teaching them how to keep going when things get tough. Life for many young people can be full of challenges. Pressure to do well in school, meet expectations, and figure out who they are. Confronting these challenges can be overwhelming, especially when things don’t go...

Why Are Teens Feeling So Lonely And How Can We Support Them?? By Susan George

It’s a quiet evening. Your teenager sits in their room, phone in hand, scrolling endlessly. Her phone pings with notifications from group chats and social media. They seem “connected” to the world, yet they seem distant at home.You wonder: Why does my child feel so lonely despite being more connected than ever? As a parent, this question may tug at your...

Youth Mental Health: Challenges and Support Strategies for International Youth Day By Susan George

Every year on August 12, the world comes together to celebrate International Youth Day (IYD). Established by the United Nations in 1999, the first IYD was celebrated on August 12, 2000. This day provides an opportunity for governments, organisations, and individuals to highlight and address the concerns affecting young people worldwide. Over the years, IYD has seen various youth organisations,...

Navigating Gender Identity Exploration in the Early Adolescence By Susan George

Gender identity development is complex, personal, and unique to each individual. For some, it’s a smooth trajectory that aligns with their sex assigned at birth. For others, it’s a winding path of questioning, exploration, and discovery. As a parent, you may notice your pre-teen or early adolescent child expressing curiosity about gender. They may ask questions, explore different forms of dress...

What is ‘Wear it Purple’ Day all about? By Susan George

‘Wear it Purple” Day (based in Australia) occurs this year on Friday 25th August and is a day for the whole community to go purple in support of LGBTQIA+ youth, and to stand out against bullying and discrimination. It was founded by 2 students Kate Hudson & Scott Williams who saw the high rates LGBTQI+ people at risk and has changed...

How Do Peer Relationships Influence Teenagers During High School? By Susan George

Being a teen in high school, friendships and your mates are seriously important. High school isn't just about classes and textbooks – it's like this buzzing universe of chatting, chilling with your mates, and building those friendships. The connections you build right now can totally mould who you are, sway the decisions you make, and give you that awesome feeling...

TWEENS / TEENS – What’s going in their heads?

TWEENS / TEENS – What’s going in their heads?

There’s never a dull moment with teens – it’s often like being on a roller-coaster from delightful and insightful in one moment to downright rude, grunting, or shutdown saying nothing. As health professionals, parents, and/or educators, if we examine and understand what is going on for early adolescents, we can help your tween build a healthy teenage brain. Compliant, agreeable, sweet...