A new, free phone application with information, ideas and guidance for parents to help them provide additional support their child’s mental health and wellbeing was launched today.
The Raising Healthy Children App was developed by the Raising Children Network as part of its program to support parents’ mental health literacy by building knowledge and confidence concerning the social and emotional wellbeing of children.
The Government has committed 1.5 million over three years to help fund the program with Health Minister Greg Hunt, saying supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young Australians is a high priority for the Government.
“Each year, more than 300,000 Australian children experience a mental health disorder, and diagnosis and treatment at an early stage is important because it can reduce the length and severity of the problem,” says Mr Hunt.
“Parents can play a crucial role in early diagnosis and this new app will give parents and carers the confidence to recognise early signs of social or emotional problems and help them to seek support if it’s needed.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, says the app was targeted towards parents with children aged 12 years and under and includes information on health, development and wellbeing based on the child’s age.
“The app also includes information and support for parents and carers to ensure they are looking after their own mental health and wellbeing,” says Mr Coleman.
“We know that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the mental health and wellbeing of young children and their parents, and this app is a resource families can use to recognise warning signs and seek support.”
The app complements existing dedicated online mental health and wellbeing resources available for all parents and carers on the Raising Children Network’s website and can be downloaded from the usual app stores on mobile phones.
