World Mental Health Day: Supporting parents is critical

Advocates from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program say parents and carers need to support their children’s wellbeing as well as their own, to ease Australia’s growing mental health crisis.

It comes as we mark World Mental Health day on October 10.

Triple P International Country Director Carol Markie-Dadds says the mental health of kids and young people is worsening, with about one in 10 aged between four and 11 experiencing a mental health disorder.

She says half of adult mental health issues emerge before the age of 14.

“A range of ongoing societal factors are resulting in a tidal wave of mental health concerns for a significant number of our children and are also impacting parental wellbeing, relationships, and general enjoyment of life,” Carol says.

“Parents and carers are facing unprecedented stress off the back of rising interest rates, cost of living, and housing instability. While they may try to protect their children from these pressures, the ongoing stress inevitably affects kids.

“The impact of social media and concerns around online safety is adding another layer of worry for families. The 2024 Triple P Parenting Survey of more than 8000 families found that nearly eight out of 10 parents (79 per cent) are concerned about social media’s impact on their children’s mental health and wellbeing.”

Carol says there is a ripple effect of poor parental wellbeing on a children’s mental health and encourages parents and carers to seek help for themselves or their children if needed.

“When parents and carers take care of their own mental outlook, it can have a positive impact on the overall health and happiness of their kids,” she says.

“Parents and carers are critical in safeguarding children's mental health, as they are often the first to notice shifts in mood or behaviour. However, many are unsure how to respond or where to seek help.

“This is where evidence-based parenting support is essential for equipping parents with the skills and confidence to spot early signs of distress in their children and have open conversations about mental health.”

Free program

Fear-Less Triple P Online is a free support program for parents and carers of children experiencing anxiety, which has been accessed by more than 80,000 families in Australia.

“It builds parental mental health literacy, empowers parents and carers to identify issues early, seek help without stigma, and provides strategies to support children’s emotional resilience,” Carol says.

“By prioritising wellbeing and opening up to ask for support, whether it’s with a trusted friend, GP, health professional, talking to Lifeline, or getting parenting support, parents and carers can mitigate any negative or long-term impacts.”

Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is supported by funding from the Federal Government.

Parents and carers can access free, online parenting support 24/7 at triplep-parenting.net.au