Today is R U OK? Day, an important day to start a conversation about mental health.

2020 has been challenging for us all, including our kids. In our most recent RCH National Child Health Poll, thirty-six per cent of parents told us that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of their child, and almost half of parents say it has had a negative impact on their own.

RCH Chief of Medicine Tom Connell sat down with paediatrician Harriet Hiscock and clinical psychologist Alice Morgan to talk about maintaining hope, building resilience and the practical tools we can use to help our children to cope in these challenging times.

If you or your child need some extra support at this time, please reach out and ask for help. Below are a range of helpful resources and support services to help parents and children through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic:

General resources

• RCH Kids Health Info – Supporting your child to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic
• RCH Kids Health Info podcast – COVID-19 what parents need to know
• Raising children – Coronavirus: family guide
• Victorian State Government – Advice for parents, carers and guardians
• Supporting individuals with Autism through uncertian times

Mental health

It’s natural to worry about what COVID-19 might mean for your family. If you’re worried and need support, you could talk to your GP or a local counsellor. You can also call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

• Lifeline Australia – We’re here for you
• Beyond Blue – Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
• Kids Helpline – Your guide to everything coronavirus
• North western Melbourne – CAREinMIND

Education

• Raising children – Raising learners podcast
• Murdoch Children’s Research Institute – Parenting in the age of coronavirus podcast 

Physical activity

• Department of Health – Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines
• Department of Health – Exercising and staying active during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
• Sport Aus – Find your 30 at home challenge

Diet and nutrition

• Department of Health – Healthy eating during coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
• Raising Children – Healthy eating habits for kids aged 1-8 years
• Raising Children – Healthy eating habits for kids aged 9-18 years

Screen time

• Raising Children – Screen time: checklist for healthy use
• E-safety – Screen time tips

Sleep

• Raising Children – Sleep problems and solutions: children and teenagers

Financial resources

• Department of Social Services – Coronavirus information and support
• Money Smart – COVID-19 financial assistance

Coronavirus

Australian, state and territory health department websites have the latest and most reliable information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information please visit the following websites or call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

• Department of Health 
• Victorian Department of Health
• New South Wales Government

For more information about R U OK? Day and starting an important conversation about mental health, visit ruok.org.au.