With the upcoming release of Aulexic’s first Y.A. short fiction book, Jenna’s Truth, we thought this could be a valuable time to create a resource where teens and young people can access help and services for support. While cyberspace has it’s hazards, the online can be a wonderful place. There are many resources for teens and youth struggling with bullying, cyberbullying, mental health and wellness, and resilience. Below are a list of websites that are particularly helpful for teens and their families.
Amanda Todd Legacy
http://amandatoddlegacy.org
Nadia L. King was inspired to write Jenna’s Truth after watching Amanda’s Todd’s YouTube video where Amanda told her story to the world. Amanda’s video went viral and is used by many schools as a teaching aid. Her story has sparked discussions all over the world on topics related to bullying and cyberbullying, online exploitation, sextortion, internet safety, and issues surrounding mental health and wellness.
headspace
http://headspace.org.au
Headspace is a national youth mental health foundation dedicated to improving the well being of young Australians. Headspace provides early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ well being – mental health, physical health, work and study support, and alcohol and other drug services. Young people, their families, and friends can access information and services through the headspace website.
beyondblue
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
beyondblue provides information and support to help everyone achieve their best possible mental health. The organisation aims to help the 3 million Australians living with depression and anxiety. beyondblue also has a website targeted towards young people called youthbeyondblue. The website provides resources for parents supporting youth with depression and anxiety.
What Works 4 U
http://whatworks4u.org/
WhatWorks4U.org aims to improve treatment for young people with mental health problems by gathering information about what works in the real world. It is run by researchers in the Population Mental Health Group at The Melbourne School of Population and Global Health (MSPGH), Australia. The school is a leading health research centre in Australia, and its current research programs look at factors affecting mental and physical health in the community, and on improving health and well-being.
Reach Out
http://au.reachout.com/
Reach Out is an Australian online mental health organisation for young people, providing practical support to help them get through everything from everyday issues to tough times. In 1997, ReachOut Australia was established to harness the potential of the internet, becoming the world’s first online mental health service for young people.
It’s Allright
http://www.itsallright.org/
The website is run by SANE Australia, a national charity that helps Australians affected by mental illness. Included on the website are diaries of four teenagers, based on real stories, as they deal with the challenge of living with mental illness in their families.
Bite Back
http://www.biteback.org.au/
Bite Back is a website for young people. It provides an anonymous space for youth and kids to support their mental health in fun and interesting ways including videos, blogs, books and quizzes.
SDERA
http://www.sdera.wa.edu.au/
SDERA offers a range of resilience, drug and alcohol, and road safety education resources for early childhood educators, school staff, parents and students. Classroom resources are linked to the Western Australian Curriculum.
If you are being bullied or struggling with a mental health issue, remember that you are not alone. There is help available to you. Make contact today, and speak out.