Tuesday 10 February was Safer Internet Day. This day is a reminder of the importance of working together to keep online spaces safe for all, especially for our young people. This day is recognised by 180 countries and eSafety leads this day in Australia. The eSafety Commissioner website has a number of useful resources for parents including advice on managing the new social media ban, webinars for parents and carers and the option to subscribe to a regular parent newsletter. Please follow the link below:
The Black Dog Institute is a medical research institute which investigates mental health across the lifespan and aims to improve these outcomes for all Australians. In their most recent report, their study of adolescent mental health demonstrated that 8-10 hours of sleep each night is one of the strongest predictors of adolescent wellbeing.
Developing a routine at the end of the day to get ready for sleep is important for us all, including adolescents. This includes:
- moving away from screens in the hour before sleep
- dimming lights
- refraining from caffeine or large meals before bedtime
The Black Dog Institute also promote an evidence-based smartphone app shown to be effective in helping young people with sleep problems. This app is Sleep Ninja. For more information on the Black Dog Institute and some resources this organisation provides, please follow the link below:
Black Dog Institute Resources and Support
For more information about the Sleep Ninja app, please refer to the link below: