RESOURCES
Resources, Links and Available Services
Each week we will add new resources for the topics the girls are discussing.
These resources provide general information regarding the particular topics, possible strategies, conversation starters, links to additional support and areas of concern
Topics
Disordered eating
This often presents as binge eating, emotional eating, restricting, over-exercising or experiencing body image concerns.
National Eating Disorder Collaboration
Claire Ward - Dietician in Orange - works closely with Mind Cookie Psychology
Self Worth and Self Esteem
Centre for Clinical Intervention
Me Time Journal (occasionally available at Kmart)
Bullying
The phrase “bullying” is often used to describe any behaviour a child may find unpleasant. However, bullying is intentional, repeated, mean/aggressive and often involves a power imbalance. It is not conflict, negative feedback, being mean once or twice, or generally being rude.
There are great resources that assist with identifying, discussing and supporting your child through concerns about bullying.
Social Media
Unfortunately there is no hard and fast rule on when a child should have access to social media. Things to be considered are your child’s tech literacy and use of social media, what different apps and platforms do, maturity levels, impact on a child’s socialising and the degree in which school uses and incorporate social media and technology use into the learning environment.
It would be tempting to restrict all access until they are an adult or moving out, however that has the negative effect of your child never understanding how to use it safely, keep themselves safe or understand pitfalls with tech use.
There are some great resources that help parents understand, use and discuss social media and tech with their children. This assists you in making the choice that suits your child and family.
There are also some great social media influencers - particularly on TikTok - who openly share how they manage and navigate the tricky issue of social media and tech with their teens (Gwenna Laithlan @mommacusses is a great example).
Post Session Feedback
Here you will find the common issues, concerns information or gaps that they participants may have raised or that the facilitators may have identified.
Session 1: Self image, self worth and disordered eating
All participants demonstrated a really good understanding of food and nutrition. The girls were able to identify why we need food, what food is better for fuel. The first group entered into a team debate style discussion about “good” and “bad” food and we discussed the problems with “all or none” view of food and the potential impact on disordered eating patterns.
Both groups indicated two common reasons for not eating properly (or at all) were time and perception of others (particularly boys).
We discussed the impact of others perception and what the girls were trying to achieve by not eating. The girls agreed that self image is a factor. They were able to identify ways to improve self image, self worth and self esteem, but openly acknowledged not doing any of the strategies for themselves.
Session 2: Bullying and self worth
We discussed the different behaviours that would be considered bullying and why some unpleasant or difficult behaviour isn’t technically bullying. The girls ran through a number of scenarios and discussed different options for managing experiencing it themselves, watching it happen to others or being made aware their own behaviour is considered bullying.
The girls demonstrated a good understanding of what it is and the impacts. They outlined some common advice they have received which they feel is unhelpful - such as ignoring it - but struggled with alternative options.
The discussion about assertive communication and improving self worth was decided within the group as the most appropriate way to manage this type of conflict and bullying behaviour.
Of particular concern, across all groups the girl reported regularly receiving messages to the effect of “it’s just because he likes you” when reporting inappropriate behaviour from male friends/acquaintances. This will be further discussed with the Wellbeing Team and the school.
Session 3:
TBA
Session 4:
TBA
Concerns
If you have ongoing concerns about your child’s mental health or wellbeing, seek support from your health professionals.
This may include:
GP
Paediatrician
School Psychologist/counsellor
Private Psychologist/Counsellor/Social Worker
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service
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