High School 19/5/23: Parental influence on mental health

The State of Youth Mental Health

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in their children’s mental health. It is essential to stay informed about the current state of youth mental health as it not only affects individuals but also families and communities. Recent research indicates that the frequency of mental health disorders among young people is increasing, with anxiety, depression, and self-harm being among the most common challenges.

One of the reasons attributed to this rise is the heightened stress and anxiety that many young people face in today’s society. Academic success, social media, and family issues all contribute to these factors. Many young people are still experiencing the long-term consequences of the pandemic, such as social isolation, uncertainty, and loss.

Parents can play an important role in promoting their children’s mental health. Creating a safe and open environment for your children to discuss their emotions, thoughts, and feelings is vital. Encouraging healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help reduce their stress levels and improve your child’s overall mental well-being. Additionally, numerous resources and services are available to children, adolescents, and their families, including school counselors, various mental health organizations, support lines, and, of course, mental health professionals. It is crucial to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and early intervention is critical in addressing young people’s mental health challenges.

In this edition of SchoolTV, we will be discussing some of the major mental health issues affecting young people and providing guidance on how to support a child who may be experiencing them. We hope you take the time to reflect on the information presented in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

If you have any concerns about your child’s well-being, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional assistance.

You can access this month’s edition by clicking on the following link:
https://wccs.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/state-youth-mental-health

Webinars for Parents and Carers

Join one of the free webinars for parents and carers hosted by the eSafety Commissioner to gain knowledge, skills, and tools for ensuring safe online experiences for your children.

The 2023 webinars include a broad range of topics that will be delivered by their expert education and training team. The next Webinar is on the 22nd of May titled “Getting started with social media: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram”.

To find out more, go to eSafety webinars for parents and carers.

I hope you find these resources useful in supporting your children.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Hudson

Deputy Principal High School

Impressive results at Decathalon

We are thrilled to share that last week students from Years 8-10 participated in the Da Vinci Decathlon Competition at TIGS and achieved amazing results! In particular, our year 9/10 team came third in three categories: Mathematics, Ideation, and Creative Producers. Congratulations to all the students and teachers involved!