Short articles

Physical activity offers a range of benefits for children, including mental health. This literature review study explored the association between physical activity and mental health in children and adolescents and whether physical activity can be considered ‘causal’ in producing any effects on mental health.

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders which, together, affect around one in five children and adolescents. With a lack of research on services for depression and anxiety in children, a study led by the Australian Institute of Health called the Care Track Kids project provided a detailed picture of how Australian children with anxiety or depression are treated, and how much of this treatment is in accordance with clinical practice guidelines (CPGs).

For some children, the reality of an inconsistent or unsafe home life has only intensified as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as social isolation has denied them the sanctuary of friends, a supportive grandparent, or school. This may mean spending much more time with a parent who is perpetrating violence, whose mental health is being adversely affected by isolation, or who is drinking at unsafe levels.

The study analysed data from the  Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) to investigate whether family income affects children’s mental health - and whether the effect, if any, varies across different kinds of informants (e.g. children ['self-report'], parents, teachers). Better understandings around assessor variation and the impact of parental income on children’s mental health could inform policies to improve the wellbeing of Australian children.

Approximately one in four Australian children will experience parental divorce or separation prior to age 18. This study investigated the characteristics, traits and qualities of young people (at age 13-18 years) and their families that might account for differences in mental health outcomes (i.e. at age 19-20 years) following parental separation in childhood. In particular, the researchers were interested in exploring young people’s risk for depression in emerging adulthood and the extent to which each young person’s unique personality, relationships with parents and friends, and family economic situation might account for differences in depression risk.

Estimates of the prevalence of parental mental illness vary, but Australian research has found that up to one in four children are being raised by a parent with mental illness. Using data from the Parenting Today in Victoria study, this article explores how a parent's mental health relates to their parenting, finding that while parents with poor mental health are somewhat less likely to use positive parenting strategies, parental mental ill-health does not necessarily lead to poor parenting. With the right support at the right time, parents can help their children thrive.

A recent rapid evidence assessment (REA) conducted by the Parenting Research Centre (PRC) highlights the association between bullying experiences in the preteen years and a range of negative mental health outcomes for preteens and adolescents.

Childhood exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious global health problem, with approximately 1 in 4 children exposed to IPV throughout their childhood. This study explored what helps children to do well, despite experiencing IPV.

Connecting with other providers is an important part of improving service delivery, particularly for those in rural and remote contexts where there may be a lack of services and supervision. Project ECHO offers professionals from rural or under-served areas the chance to discuss cases with a panel of specialists through regular videoconferencing sessions, gaining advice from specialty experts as well as other peers in the network.

This short article describes how Australian parents' difficulties when juggling work and family responsibilities (referred to as 'work-family conflict') influence their relationship with their partner, their interactions with their children, and subsequently their children's mental health across childhood and adolescence.

Children look to parents and caregivers to guide them in how to behave when distressing or overwhelming events, such as bushfires and heavy smoke haze occur. As a parent or caregiver, the best support you can give your child is to be calm and reassuring, respond to their questions, keep them connected with friends and family, and take care of your own mental health and wellbeing. These general tips can help you to support your child during this challenging time.

Most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents in Australia grow and flourish in supportive family environments that enable good mental health and social development. Despite the challenges posed by discrimination, low socio-economic environments, and the historic and ongoing marginalisation of First Nations culture, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are resilient, showing positive outcomes despite the presence of adversity. This study investigated the protective factors that help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to be resilient.