Communicating and Connecting with Your Teen, is part of the Think Mental Health program, a comprehensive approach to mental health promotion and mental illness prevention in Western Australia
The campaign is providing practical tools and resources to help parents, guardians and carers talk with their teenagers about emotions, recognise when they may need support and know where to seek help.
“Parents and carers want to support their teenagers, but knowing how to start a conversation about mental health can be difficult,” WA Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat said.
“This campaign gives families practical tools to build that confidence, helping parents listen, understand what their teenager is experiencing and know where to turn for support.
“By helping families have these conversations early and regularly, we are supporting young Western Australians to better understand their mental health and feel more confident asking for help.”
Launching during the final weeks of ATAR exams and the broader university exam period, the campaign encourages parents and carers to make time to check in with their teenagers about how they are feeling.
Asking open-ended questions, listening without judgement and acknowledging their concerns can help young people feel supported as they manage study pressures and uncertainty about what comes next.
The campaign aims to build parents’ and guardians’ confidence to help their teens identify and describe their emotions and work through challenging situations together.
It also helps families better understand mental health and wellbeing, helping young people feel more confident expressing their emotions and asking for support.
Youth Minister Hannah Beazley said the campaign will provide parents with sound, practical advice to build positive relationships and help them manage their own emotions and support their teenagers to do the same.
“Teenagers are navigating friendships, study, change and decisions about their future, and it is important they feel heard and supported along the way,” Beazley said.
“By being able to understand and express their emotions, young people will be better prepared to maintain their mental health and wellbeing.”
Education Minister Sabine Winton said as students work through their final ATAR exams, it’s important they know that their wellbeing matters beyond their results.
“For parents and carers, checking in means asking how their teenager is feeling as well as how their study is going, and giving them time to talk through any worries.
“These resources will help families keep those conversations going through exams, the wait for results and the transition to life after school.”
Parents and carers are encouraged to make these conversations part of everyday family life, creating regular opportunities for teenagers to talk about what is happening in their lives.
