Our Centre contributed to a 2-part webinar series hosted by Child Family Community Australia (CFCA). The free webinars explored the role of language in children’s mental health and wellbeing. Watch the webinar recordings here.
Words matter (part 1): Getting the language of child mental health right
Presenters: Frank Oberklaid, Anthea Rhodes and Rhys Price-Robertson
Date: 12 August 2020
This webinar explored:
- how parents’ mental health literacy affects how they access support for their children
- the risks and benefits of applying diagnostic labels to children
- a way forward for talking about child mental health.
Access the recordings, more information on the series, audio files and transcripts on the CFCA website.
Words matter (part 2) how to use frames effectively to advance child mental health
Presenters: Nat Kendell-Taylor, Annette Michaux, Vikki Leone and Victorian Parker.
Date: 26 August 2020
This webinar explored better ways of talking about child wellbeing to improve parental engagement and outcomes for kids.
Access the recordings, more information on the series, audio files and transcripts on the CFCA website.
Language and child mental health and wellbeing
One of the major challenges we have to address in the area of child mental health is that of terminology: the mismatch in language use between the education and health sectors.
It is relatively common for children to experience mental health problems. Yet, without a shared understanding of child mental health between parents, communities and service providers, many do not receive the support they need. Lack of awareness of child mental health can be a barrier to parents raising concerns about child mental health early.
Getting the language of child mental health right is a crucial step in building shared understanding, connecting children to necessary supports and preventing mental health difficulties into the future.
Related resources:
- MJA Insight article: Child mental health: building a shared language
- Policy Brief: Child Mental health: A time for innovation