The Bupa Foundation has teamed up with the Black Dog Institute to unveil a program aimed at enlightening teenagers on how screen time affects their mental health.
Recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal that almost two out of every five young Australians, specifically those aged 16 to 24, have faced a mental disorder in the last year.
The collaborative effort between the Bupa Foundation and the Black Dog Institute seeks to arm young people with the skills to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape thoughtfully.
Associate Professor Aliza Werner-Seidler, head of population research at the Black Dog Institute, underscored the importance of this alliance in making a meaningful difference in the mental health landscape.
“By partnering with the Bupa Foundation, we will be able to deliver a new program that focuses on teaching young people about the benefits and potential risks of technology use and giving them the skills and knowledge to make informed choices for their well-being,” she said.
Aimed at early adolescents, particularly those around the ages of 12 to 13, the program addresses mental health issues like depression and anxiety. This age group is pivotal as it often marks the beginning of independent digital device usage and initial encounters with social media.
The Black Dog Institute is set to extend its reach to more than 30,000 youths. The initiative kicks off with a pilot involving 3,000 school students.
“Parents, educators, and young people themselves have an urgent need for guidance and support around this issue. We’re grateful to the Bupa Foundation for their generous support in helping the Black Dog Institute undertake this important work,” Werner-Seidler said.
Last month, the Bupa Foundation became the principal partner of a non-profit organisation to support a nature-based program for young individuals impacted by family mental illness.
