Adolescence is a time of social and physical development and self-discovery. For some, it is an arduous transitional period. Social and academic pressures can overwhelm some adolescents and may sometimes lead to a decrease in self-esteem and an increase in emotional disturbances.
This site hopes to help you to access reputable information to support you as a parent/carer so that you can support your child or children to navigate their way through adolescence. You may also wish to peruse the student portal links.
Digital Resources
Autism CRC
https://autismteenwellbeing.com.au
Better Heath – Alcohol and Teenagers
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/alcohol-teenagers
Better Health – Trauma: Reaction and Recovery
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/trauma-reaction-and-recovery
MoodSpot
mindspot.org.au
An online program for stress, worry, anxiety and depression in people aged 18-25.
Raising Children – The Australian Parenting Website
raisingchildren.net.au
Providing free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help your family grow and thrive together.
Reach Out
parents.au.reachout.com
Helping parents support their teenagers through everyday issues and tough times
Regional Parenting Service – City of Greater Geelong
geelongcity.vic.gov.au/news/item/8d203a13a48a2a8.aspx
For local Parenting Programs
Student Wellbeing Hub
studentwellbeinghub.edu.au
This is a space for educators, parents and students to build safe, inclusive and connected school communities that promote wellbeing and learning.
Switchboard Victoria
www.switchboard.org.au
Switchboard Victoria provides peer-driven support services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) people, their families, allies and communities.
Supportive Phone Numbers
Barwon Health – Mental health, drugs and alcohol 24/7 phone service 1300 094 187
If the situation, or person’s safety, becomes an emergency, phone 000 immediately
barwonhealth.org.au/services-departments/item/access-team-formerly-triage
27/4 Support line for young people and families.
Tips when calling:
1. You will be asked to make selections to help us direct your call to the most appropriate Mental Health service
2. It may take a few minutes, but your calls are important and we speak with you as quickly as we can
3. If you cannot wait on the line, please select the option for a call back so that we know you have called and a Mental Health clincian can return your call. Your place will be held in the queue.
Parent Help Line 132 289
Parentline is a statewide telephone counselling, information and referral service for parents and carers with children from birth to eighteen years.
8am-midnight, 7 days a week
Life Line 13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au
Access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service
Safe Steps 1800 015 188
www.safesteps.org.au
Family Violence Response Centre For women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491
www.mrs.org.au
The Men’s Referral Service is a telephone service for men who are thinking about their anger, behaviour, relationship issues or parenting, and need help and support or women who are experiencing violence from a male family member.
9am-9pm, Monday to Friday
Switchboard 1800 184 527
www.switchboard.org.au
Switchboard Victoria provides peer-driven support services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) people, their families, allies and communities.
Child Protection 1800 075 599 (After Hours – 131278)
To report concerns of a child physical and/or sexual abuse
Wire 1300 134 130
www.wire.org.au
WIRE stands for Women’s Information and Referral Exchange. Support and referrals to connect with relevant workshops and networks for developing a career pathway and obtaining work experience. Violence against women is a significant human rights issue in Victoria. Everyone has a right to safety in homes, schools, at work and on the streets.