Bullying No Way Week, taking place from August 11 to 15, 2025, is Australia’s leading initiative to help schools foster understanding of bullying behaviour and strengthen prevention strategies. With its empowering theme— "Be bold. Be kind. Speak up." —this campaign brings together government, families, schools, and communities to address bullying, especially the growing concern of cyberbullying in today’s digital world. By encouraging courage, kindness, and open communication, Bullying No Way Week reminds us that everyone has a role to play in preventing bullying and supporting those affected by it. Understanding Cyberbullying and Its Impact What is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying refers to harmful behaviours carried out through digital platforms—such as social media, messaging apps, emails, or online games. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can follow young people beyond school grounds and into their private spaces, often occurring at any time of day. It often begins with increased screen time on platforms like YouTube and can escalate to social media misuse. In response to growing concerns, the Australian Government recently passed legislation restricting YouTube access for children, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): - In 2015–16, nearly 70% of children aged 12–13 experienced at least one instance of bullying-like behaviour within a year—impacting approximately 160,000 young people. - Between 2014–17, 1 in 5 Year 4 students reported experiencing weekly bullying. - An eSafety survey revealed that 1 in 4 children aged 8–12 had encountered unwanted contact or harmful material online. These aren’t just statistics they represent children who may be feeling anxious, isolated, or overwhelmed. Harmful messages, exclusion from group chats, or online rumours can deeply affect self-esteem, academic performance, and emotional wellbeing. The persistent nature of cyberbullying can feel relentless, making it essential for us to respond with empathy and a focus on safe, supportive environments. Last year, we hosted an event titled The Big Debate as part of the Youth Leaders Forum, exploring the provocative topic: Should social media be banned for individuals under 18? This engaging forum, organised by the Mental Health Foundation Australia, brought together young voices to reflect on the impact of digital platforms on youth mental health. The event is part of a broader initiative to promote awareness, critical thinking, and open dialogue around the intersection of technology and wellbeing. Practical Tips for Schools and Families Preventing cyberbullying is a shared responsibility. Here are practical, compassionate steps you can take drawn from Bullying No Way and AIHW resources: For Schools: - Create Safe Spaces for Dialogue - Foster inclusive environments where students feel safe sharing their experiences—through peer-led discussions, assemblies, or classroom conversations. - Promote Digital Citizenship - Use resources from eSafety to educate students on respectful online behaviour and how to safely report harmful conduct. - Update Anti-Bullying Policies - Ensure policies explicitly address cyberbullying with clear steps for reporting, support, and resolution. - Engage the Community - Organize workshops or events during Bullying No Way Week, inviting families and local organizations to learn about bullying prevention. For Families: - Listen Without Judgment - Create a safe, open space where children feel heard and supported when talking about their online experiences. - Teach Safe Online Habits - Help children protect their privacy—by avoiding oversharing and recognizing when to block or report harmful interactions. - Model Positive Behaviour - Demonstrate respectful, kind communication in your own online interactions. Children often emulate adult behaviour. - Know Support Resources - Familiarise yourself with services like Kids Helpline and eSafety for guidance on how to respond if your child is affected. Kids Helpline: A private, confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5–25. Call 1800 55 1800 – Available 24/7. For You: Steps to Stay Safe Online If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself: - Avoid Engagement - Responding to bullies may escalate the situation. Choosing not to engage often discourages them, as they usually seek a reaction. - Report Harmful Behaviour - Most platforms have reporting tools that allow you to flag cyberbullying. These reports can lead to content removal or account suspension. - Block the Offender - Blocking prevents further contact. Before doing so, take screenshots of the bullying content to preserve evidence. - Save the Evidence - Document threatening messages, images, or posts by taking screenshots or saving them securely. If keeping this material affects your wellbeing, send it to a trusted adult and remove it from your device. - Adjust Your Privacy Settings - Review and tighten privacy settings regularly to limit who can see or contact you. Restrict access from strangers or anyone making you uncomfortable. - Seek Support - Talk to someone you trust—such as a parent, teacher, school counsellor. Keep the conversation going until you feel safe and supported. We're here to support At the MHFA Wellness Hub, we offer compassionate, professional counselling services for children and adolescents who may have experienced different forms of bullying, including cyberbullying. Our caring provisional clinician provides a safe, non-judgmental space where students feel heard, valued, and supported. Every session is thoughtfully tailored to each student’s unique experience and emotional needs. Support is accessible, with individual sessions available for just $30. Learn more about Wellness Hub: https://wellnesshub.mhfa.org.au/ Cyberbullying can feel overwhelming, but no one has to face it alone. Together, by being bold, being kind, and speaking up, we can create safer digital spaces where all young people feel valued and protected. Every act of empathy, every listening ear, and every shared resource contributes to a future where kindness leads the way.

As the back-to-school season begins across Australia, many families are preparing for a fresh start, new classrooms, teachers, and friendships. This time can bring a mix of emotions: excitement, curiosity, and sometimes, uncertainty. It’s completely natural for both children and parents to feel this way. With a little planning and mindful support, we can help create a smoother, more positive transition into the school year for everyone involved. Starting a new school year is a big change. For some children, it may bring butterflies in the stomach, while for others, it may take a little longer to adjust. These feelings are valid and part of growing up. It’s also important to recognise that for families from diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds, school transitions may come with extra layers such as navigating different expectations, adjusting to routines, or working through communication barriers. Creating understanding at home and at school can help children feel more secure and confident. Signs to Gently Notice: Children may express emotional discomfort in different ways, and sometimes, these signs are easy to overlook. You know your child best—trust your instincts and look for subtle changes, such as: Mood shifts or seeming quieter than usual Difficulty expressing what they’re feeling Withdrawing from favourite activities or friendships Changes in sleep, appetite, or daily habits Hesitation or worry about going to school These signals can be considered as an opportunity to connect with your child and offer extra support. Gentle conversations and open listening can make a big difference. And if you ever feel unsure, speaking with a school counsellor or mental health professional can help you feel more confident in supporting your child. Why Early Support Matters? Studies show that emotional wellbeing during childhood can have a lasting impact into later life. That’s why being proactive by offering reassurance, guidance, and safe spaces to talk can be incredibly powerful. There’s no need to wait until things feel overwhelming. Even small steps, taken early, can help children build resilience and feel more secure as they navigate life’s changes. Practical and Positive Ways to Support Your Child Here are some gentle strategies to support your child’s emotional wellbeing as the school year begins: Notice and acknowledge small changes. They may be telling you something important. Create space for open conversations. Ask how they’re feeling about school and let them know it’s okay to talk about worries even little ones. Work with the school team. Teachers, school staff, and counsellors can be valuable partners in your child’s wellbeing. Model calm and care. Creating a home environment that feels safe, inclusive, and encouraging helps children feel more grounded and supported. Dear Parents, You Matter Too. Transitions can be just as emotional for parents and caregivers. You are doing your best and that’s enough. Whether you’re navigating your own workload, changes at home, or the emotions that come with parenting, your feelings are valid too. Taking time to care for yourself is important. Whether it's talking to a friend, taking a quiet moment for yourself, or reaching out to a support service, looking after your own wellbeing helps the whole family thrive. We’re Here to Walk Alongside You At the MHFA Wellness Hub, we offer caring and professional counselling services for children and families navigating change. Our provisional clinicians work gently and respectfully with each family’s unique needs offering guidance, listening ears, and practical, evidence-informed strategies to help build emotional wellbeing. We believe every child deserves to feel heard, and every parent deserves to feel supported. Learn more about Wellness Hub: https://wellnesshub.mhfa.org.au/ Visit our website to explore free resources, and try the Supportive Mind App , designed to help children and parents manage everyday stress and emotional ups and downs in simple, compassionate ways. Let’s Begin This School Year with Confidence and Care Every school year brings new beginnings and with the right support, those beginnings can feel full of hope. Your child’s wellbeing matters. And so does yours. Written by Simranpreet Gill and Anne Bui

The nature of friendship There is no specific way to define what a ‘friendship’ is. Sometimes it’s a connection with the person you grew up with, or a group that shares your interests. But friendship also starts with a casual chat at work, a neighbour waving hello, or a familiar face you meet every day on the way home. That’s the beauty of it — there are no boundaries or limits to how friendships are formed. Navigating life changes is hard — but you don’t have to do it alone We’ve all gone through big life changes like moving somewhere new, starting over, or facing tough events. In fact, getting through those times on our own isn’t easy. Entering a new stage can ignite the feelings of loneliness and anxiety. That’s where good friends come in: they can be a real mental buffer against our negative emotions. Friendships offer emotional support by helping you feel truly seen and connected. They create a sense of belonging and strengthen your emotional resilience. Still, maintaining a friendship that stands the test of time and distance isn’t always easy. Communication with friends often gets disrupted as we move through unexpected changes. Sometimes, just one honest and open conversation is all it takes to rebuild the bridge — to remind each other that we’re still here, still listening. A good friend can validate your feelings, empower and inspire you to take steps. Friendships: the first relationship that shapes the rest Friendships are one of the first relationships we get to choose for ourselves. Spending time with people who are good for our developmental health is matter, as they play a huge role in shaping how we connect with others. Through friendship, we learn how to trust, how to support, and how to be present — lessons that carry into every other relationship we build. On this International Friendship Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the power of friendship in supporting mental well-being and emotion, especially during life’s most challenging moments. Whether it’s a message, a call, or a quiet thank-you, let your friends and the person you care know how much they’ve mattered on your journey. Written by Anne Bui and Kylie Nguyen

On this year's World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day, we explore the importance of early intervention and seeking the right support for the youngest people in our society.

The 7th of April brings around World Mental Health Day once again! Health is a broad topic that can be overwhelming and intimidating to many people, making it seem hard to maintain on top of your work, social life, and family duties. However, there are 5 healthy habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sleep like it’s a priority! Health and sleep go hand in hand, and to feel your best you need to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. A good night’s sleep allows your body to rest and recharge for the following day, boosting both your physical and mental health. To ensure your get a good night’s rest, consider creating a sleep pattern where you go to sleep and wake up at the same every day. While it’s tempting to scroll on your phone or binge watch TV, sticking to a sleep routine helps your body get into a pattern and boosts your mood. Prep like a meal master Healthy meals are time consuming to make, and takeout often feels like the easiest solution after a long day’s work. This is great occasionally; however, they do lack the nutrients your body needs which is where meal prepping comes in! Meal prepping just once a week allows you to keep on track of eating healthy lunches and dinners, boosting both your physical and mental wellbeing, as a balanced diet is linked to improving mood and boosting energy. Sweat in snippets! A full body workout everyday can be overwhelming, but the trick is not to focus on getting in a 2-hour workout every day! Instead aim for 10 minutes here and there, like walking on your lunch breaks or stretching in between work tasks. Even wearing ankle weights while cooking will allow you to be exercising while doing daily tasks! Working out in small bursts is a good way to maintain your physical health and is also seen to boost your mood. Drink up buttercup! Aim to drink a litre of water a day. It’s a simple task that’s easy to forget, but a simple trick is to take a sip every time you pick up your phone. This creates a habit of drinking water every time you’re scrolling on TikTok or texting someone and will help you reach your hydration goal. It’s important to drink water as it helps maintain a healthy body and maintain its functions, so it’s time to drink up buttercup! Pause and breathe If you’re busy working all day, it’s easy to forget to check in with yourself. To solve this problem, set health breaks on your phone that will remind you every few hours. Take just 5 minutes to step away - go for a quick walk or pause to breathe and recharge. It’s a simple way to look after your wellbeing throughout the day and get you moving a little bit, so you’re not stuck in same spot all day. Good Wellbeing Starts Today With such a busy schedule, maintaining your health can be an afterthought. However, these 5 healthy habits aim to incorporate looking after one’s physical and mental health into your daily routine. Download the Supportive Mind app to prioritise your wellbeing In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for yourself can be tough. The Supportive Mind is here to change that. With features designed to help you stay active, track your mood, and access personalised wellness resources, our app is the perfect companion to ensure your mental and physical health come first. Download today: https://www.mhfa.org.au/supportive-mind By Jamie Speight

On the 2nd of April, we come together to celebrate World Autism Understanding Day. As many people in our community with Autism, it is important to understand how you can support someone to make them feel comfortable. World Autism Understanding Day is not only about understanding Autism but also taking actions to be a supportive person to those around you. What is Autism? Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment, according to Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). People who have Autism may have different preferences regarding social interactions, a heightened sensory awareness, have different communication preferences compared to neurotypical people, have many strengths, and are honest, loyal, and kind people. This year's World Autism Understanding Day is delivered in partnership with communities to create a supportive and more inclusive society so people with Autism can feel more comfortable navigating the world. By creating more understanding about Autism, we can challenge myths and misconceptions regarding Autism to create meaningful changes so Autistic people can have the same opportunities and support as everyone else. Common Myths and Misconceptions Autism only affects males - Autism can affect any gender. Whilst males are most commonly diagnosed, females are often diagnosed at a later point in life. People with Autism lack empathy – Autistic people do experience all emotions including empathy; however, they may show and regulate empathy differently compared to neurotypical people. Autistic people are anti-social – Just like everyone, Autistic people still desire social connections and want to create meaningful relationships. Whilst sometimes social interactions and situations can be challenging for Autistic people, this does not mean they do not want to socialise and create connections. Ways to support people with Autism It is important to understand that people with Autism may experience the world differently compared to neurotypical people. By showing you care for and are willing to support Autistic people, you can help them to feel more comfortable within society and themselves. Encourage inclusivity in group settings – Make sure to make invites to group activities clear to Autistic people. Take some time to explain to them what is going to happen to make sure they feel comfortable. Do not force any social interactions but instead help them feel at ease within any group setting. Keep things clear and simple – Sometimes people on the Autism spectrum take things to heart or have difficulty picking up on social cues. Keep your communication clear and your language direct, and do not be disheartened if they are repeating things you have said to them, they are just trying to make sure that they understood what you said correctly. Respect personal space – Individuals on the autism spectrum may have different preferences regarding personal space and touch. It is important to communicate and ask people with Autism their preferences and always ask for consent before initiating any physical contact. Make sure to be mindful of any physical boundaries and do not be disheartened if they say no, they’ll appreciate you asking and listening to what their preferences are. Watch out for overwhelming situations – People on the Autism spectrum can get overwhelmed by sights, sounds, and smells, especially within a busy or large place due to their heightened sensory awareness. Be sure to look out for this, and if this happens try to move them to somewhere less overwhelming so they can have some time to process their surroundings. Create a safe space for them where they feel comfortable talking about their desires and needs, so they can be their authentic selves. Adjustments can include dimming lights and reducing background noise, which can help people with Autism to feel safe and secure again. With a better understanding of what Autism is and how to support within your community, you can help to make them feel more comfortable and have the same opportunities as neurotypical people. Importantly, while we continue to celebrate World Autism Understanding Day, make sure to continue to understand and support individuals with autism every day of the year to make a more inclusive and comfortable world. By Holly Johns

In a world where life is increasingly becoming more challenging, it is more important now than ever to make sure you are being supportive to your partner. When you are being a supportive partner, you are able to grow, learn and become stronger together. There are many different ways you can show support to your partner, and tailor the support you give them to their needs. Listen to your partner As simple as it seems, listening effectively to the needs and wants of your partner can help you to be supportive of them. You are able to tailor your actions to them, providing a more accurate response to their desires. To show you are listening to them and giving your full attention, make sure to stop any distracting tasks that may interfere with being fully present in the moment. Offer encouraging words Showing support to your partner by encouraging them with words provides a sense of belonging. A simple ‘you have got this’ can make a world of difference, allowing your partner to feel empowered. Encourage new challenges and dreams It is natural as time goes on and you spend more time together, the desires and needs of your partner changes. It is important to acknowledge that this is perfectly fine, and to give your partner plenty of support and advice while they navigate new challenges and dreams in their lives. Spend quality time together Whilst life can get busy, it is always important to ensure you and your partner spend quality time together, away from the stressors of life. Show initiative and be the one to arrange a dinner, movie night, or even a small getaway to show your support and love for one another. Be empathetic Being able to understand your partner's emotions and feelings will help you to be able to support them more beneficially. Let them vent their feelings to you and show empathy to them, so they know you are truly there for them in tough moments. Be willing to communicate Communicating how you feel shows respect and trust for your partner. Communication builds an open and honest relationship, so your partner never has to second-guess themselves. Express gratitude It is important to vocalise what you love and appreciate about your partner. By showing you are grateful for their actions and help, this allows them to feel supported and valued within the relationship. Apologise It is important to acknowledge when you are in the wrong, even though sometimes it may not always be easy to do this. By apologising, it lets your partner know that you are actively reflecting on your actions to becoming a better and more supportive person. It is important to be supportive to your partner to increase overall satisfaction in your relationship. By fostering a supportive environment in your relationship, this helps you and your partner to build trust and respect – two very important aspects in a relationship. Support makes people feel valued and safe, which is desirable for so many of us. Being a supportive partner shows you value your relationship, but most importantly, shows that you care. By Holly Johns

When it comes to asking for help, many of us hesitate. But why? Why do we hold back when we don’t even know how others will respond? The answer could be a simple "yes" or perhaps a "no," but regardless, it’s always worth asking.

When we think of Valentine’s Day, we often find ourselves thinking about either a bouquet of roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and the idea of celebrating love with a special someone. But what if, this year, the most important Valentine you could celebrate is the one you see in the mirror? Self-love is often overlooked however is the foundation for healthy relationships, emotional resilience and overall mental wellbeing.