This World Mental Health Day (10 October), advocates from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program are emphasising the need for parents and carers to support their children’s wellbeing along with their own, to help combat Australia’s growing mental health crisis.
Carol Markie-Dadds, Triple P International Country Director, said that the mental health of kids and young people is worsening, with around 1 in 10 children aged between 4 and 11 experiencing a mental health disorder. Half of adult mental health issues emerge before the age of 14.
“A range of ongoing societal factors are resulting in a tidal wave of mental health concerns for a significant number of our children and are also impacting parental wellbeing, relationships, and general enjoyment of life,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.
“Parents and carers are facing unprecedented stress off the back of rising interest rates, cost-of-living, and housing instability. While they may try to protect their children from these pressures, the ongoing stress inevitably affects kids,” she said.
“The impact of social media and concerns around online safety is adding another layer of worry for families. The 2024 Triple P Parenting Survey of more than 8,000 families found that nearly 8 out of 10 parents (79 per cent) are concerned about social media’s impact on their children’s mental health and wellbeing.”
Ms Markie-Dadds also highlighted the ripple effect of poor parental wellbeing on a child’s mental health and the importance of parents and carers looking after themselves and seeking help for themself or their child if needed.
“When parents and carers take care of their own mental outlook it can have a positive impact on the overall health and happiness of their kids.”
“Parents and carers are critical in safeguarding children’s mental health, as they are often the first to notice shifts in mood or behaviour. However, many are unsure how to respond or where to seek help. This is where evidence-based parenting support is essential for equipping parents with the skills and confidence to spot early signs of distress in their children and have open conversations about mental health,” she said.
Fear-Less Triple P Online, a free support program for parents and carers of children experiencing anxiety, is one such tool that’s making a difference.
“The milestone of more than 80,000 families in Australia accessing Triple P’s evidence-based program for parents and carers of children experiencing anxiety, is a sign that the online program is needed,” said Carol. “It builds parental mental health literacy, empowers parents and carers to identify issues early, seek help without stigma, and provides strategies to support children’s emotional resilience.”
“By prioritising wellbeing and opening up to ask for support, whether it’s with a trusted friend, GP, health professional, talking to Lifeline, or getting parenting support, parents and carers can mitigate any negative or long-term impacts.”
“Our children’s mental health is a societal concern and a shared responsibility. Investing in their mental health and wellbeing in the early years is part of building a healthier, more resilient community,” said Ms Markie-Dadds.
Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the
Parenting Education and Support Program. Parents and carers can access free, online parenting support 24/7 at triplep-parenting.net.au
