Latest news with #Headspace
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
Fears for vulnerable children as social media ban grows
Limiting children's access to social media could inadvertently harm marginalised children, an expert has warned, as YouTube is roped into Australia's ban. The federal government's decision to include the video-sharing platform in its social media ban for under-16s has renewed focus on the measure. While it has been broadly celebrated by the coalition and Labor, who say it will protect children from the harms of social media, youth mental health foundation Headspace disagrees. "This is seen as a solution and it may be helpful, we don't know. But it may cause harm as well," national clinical advisor Simon Dodd told AAP. "We've talked to young people and they value social media. They value the connections it gives them." This was particularly true for those who struggled to find physical community in parts of regional or rural Australia, and for LGBTQI youth, who use social media platforms to find support and stay safe, Mr Dodd said. Mental health is complicated as there are many factors that can impact it, including a person's social environment, and focusing on one measure as a solution risks missing opportunities to address young people's challenges . From December, people under 16 will no longer be able to create accounts on social media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook ,TikTok and now YouTube. Platforms that fail to conform with these rules face fines of up to $49.5 million. Eating disorder not-for-profit Hide N Seek warned YouTube could be home to harmful content such as extreme videos about body transformations or "what I eat in a day" media. "It can be extremely damaging, extremely damaging for children who are still developing their sense of self," founder Jaimee Krawitz told AAP. "But YouTube also hosts supportive, recovery-focused communities and educational content that can be part of a young person's healing journey." The changes will still allow children to access YouTube Kids or view videos accessible without an account. Though he recognised regulation was part of the answer to making online spaces safer, Mr Dodd has also urged the government to centre on young people's voices. "They have consistently told us they get the complexities of the social media environment and understand it better than many of the adults who are trying to legislate something that is difficult to manage," he said. "Without genuine consultation, this will result in young people feeling less trust in government and that is a real worry." Limiting children's access to social media could inadvertently harm marginalised children, an expert has warned, as YouTube is roped into Australia's ban. The federal government's decision to include the video-sharing platform in its social media ban for under-16s has renewed focus on the measure. While it has been broadly celebrated by the coalition and Labor, who say it will protect children from the harms of social media, youth mental health foundation Headspace disagrees. "This is seen as a solution and it may be helpful, we don't know. But it may cause harm as well," national clinical advisor Simon Dodd told AAP. "We've talked to young people and they value social media. They value the connections it gives them." This was particularly true for those who struggled to find physical community in parts of regional or rural Australia, and for LGBTQI youth, who use social media platforms to find support and stay safe, Mr Dodd said. Mental health is complicated as there are many factors that can impact it, including a person's social environment, and focusing on one measure as a solution risks missing opportunities to address young people's challenges . From December, people under 16 will no longer be able to create accounts on social media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook ,TikTok and now YouTube. Platforms that fail to conform with these rules face fines of up to $49.5 million. Eating disorder not-for-profit Hide N Seek warned YouTube could be home to harmful content such as extreme videos about body transformations or "what I eat in a day" media. "It can be extremely damaging, extremely damaging for children who are still developing their sense of self," founder Jaimee Krawitz told AAP. "But YouTube also hosts supportive, recovery-focused communities and educational content that can be part of a young person's healing journey." The changes will still allow children to access YouTube Kids or view videos accessible without an account. Though he recognised regulation was part of the answer to making online spaces safer, Mr Dodd has also urged the government to centre on young people's voices. "They have consistently told us they get the complexities of the social media environment and understand it better than many of the adults who are trying to legislate something that is difficult to manage," he said. "Without genuine consultation, this will result in young people feeling less trust in government and that is a real worry." Limiting children's access to social media could inadvertently harm marginalised children, an expert has warned, as YouTube is roped into Australia's ban. The federal government's decision to include the video-sharing platform in its social media ban for under-16s has renewed focus on the measure. While it has been broadly celebrated by the coalition and Labor, who say it will protect children from the harms of social media, youth mental health foundation Headspace disagrees. "This is seen as a solution and it may be helpful, we don't know. But it may cause harm as well," national clinical advisor Simon Dodd told AAP. "We've talked to young people and they value social media. They value the connections it gives them." This was particularly true for those who struggled to find physical community in parts of regional or rural Australia, and for LGBTQI youth, who use social media platforms to find support and stay safe, Mr Dodd said. Mental health is complicated as there are many factors that can impact it, including a person's social environment, and focusing on one measure as a solution risks missing opportunities to address young people's challenges . From December, people under 16 will no longer be able to create accounts on social media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook ,TikTok and now YouTube. Platforms that fail to conform with these rules face fines of up to $49.5 million. Eating disorder not-for-profit Hide N Seek warned YouTube could be home to harmful content such as extreme videos about body transformations or "what I eat in a day" media. "It can be extremely damaging, extremely damaging for children who are still developing their sense of self," founder Jaimee Krawitz told AAP. "But YouTube also hosts supportive, recovery-focused communities and educational content that can be part of a young person's healing journey." The changes will still allow children to access YouTube Kids or view videos accessible without an account. Though he recognised regulation was part of the answer to making online spaces safer, Mr Dodd has also urged the government to centre on young people's voices. "They have consistently told us they get the complexities of the social media environment and understand it better than many of the adults who are trying to legislate something that is difficult to manage," he said. "Without genuine consultation, this will result in young people feeling less trust in government and that is a real worry." Limiting children's access to social media could inadvertently harm marginalised children, an expert has warned, as YouTube is roped into Australia's ban. The federal government's decision to include the video-sharing platform in its social media ban for under-16s has renewed focus on the measure. While it has been broadly celebrated by the coalition and Labor, who say it will protect children from the harms of social media, youth mental health foundation Headspace disagrees. "This is seen as a solution and it may be helpful, we don't know. But it may cause harm as well," national clinical advisor Simon Dodd told AAP. "We've talked to young people and they value social media. They value the connections it gives them." This was particularly true for those who struggled to find physical community in parts of regional or rural Australia, and for LGBTQI youth, who use social media platforms to find support and stay safe, Mr Dodd said. Mental health is complicated as there are many factors that can impact it, including a person's social environment, and focusing on one measure as a solution risks missing opportunities to address young people's challenges . From December, people under 16 will no longer be able to create accounts on social media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook ,TikTok and now YouTube. Platforms that fail to conform with these rules face fines of up to $49.5 million. Eating disorder not-for-profit Hide N Seek warned YouTube could be home to harmful content such as extreme videos about body transformations or "what I eat in a day" media. "It can be extremely damaging, extremely damaging for children who are still developing their sense of self," founder Jaimee Krawitz told AAP. "But YouTube also hosts supportive, recovery-focused communities and educational content that can be part of a young person's healing journey." The changes will still allow children to access YouTube Kids or view videos accessible without an account. Though he recognised regulation was part of the answer to making online spaces safer, Mr Dodd has also urged the government to centre on young people's voices. "They have consistently told us they get the complexities of the social media environment and understand it better than many of the adults who are trying to legislate something that is difficult to manage," he said. "Without genuine consultation, this will result in young people feeling less trust in government and that is a real worry."
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
4 Simple Routines for Managing Stress at Work
Cut work stress with simple routines like time blocking, weekly wins tracking, and scheduling ... More moments of joy—small steps that make a big difference. Have you ever had the feeling that your workday begins before you're ready and ends much later than it should? In today's fast-paced work environment, stress has become a constant companion for many professionals. In fact, according to a study by Headspace, 77% of employees say work-related stress has taken a toll on their physical health. Whether you're working remotely, in an office, or juggling multiple roles, the pressure to meet deadlines, stay productive, and maintain a work-life balance can be overwhelming. Fortunately, implementing a few simple routines can significantly reduce this stress and help you manage your day more effectively. Here are four easy strategies you can start using today to stay on top of your work without letting stress take over your life. Time Block To Structure Your Day One of the most effective ways to reduce stress at work is through time blocking, also known as calendaring. This involves planning your day in advance and allocating specific time slots for various tasks, meetings, and even breaks. The key here is not just filling your calendar, but doing so intentionally, with room for flexibility. By mapping out your day each morning or the day before, you create a structure that makes it easier to focus. You won't waste mental energy figuring out what to do next, and you can avoid the stress of last-minute scrambling. Always leave buffer time in your schedule. Unforeseen events, urgent tasks, or a longer-than-expected meeting can quickly derail your entire day if you haven't accounted for them. For instance, if you block time for focused work from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., consider adding a 15-minute breather before your next meeting. This helps you regroup and reduces the anxiety that comes with running behind schedule. By regularly updating and reviewing your calendar, you create a more predictable and manageable workday. Use A Project Management Tool To Keep Deadlines Organized Nothing contributes to work-related stress like forgotten tasks or missed deadlines. That's where a project management tool comes in handy. Whether you prefer digital platforms like Trello, Asana, Notion, or ClickUp, these tools allow you to organize your work, set priorities, and track your progress all in one place. A good project management tool makes it easier to break large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks, assign deadlines, and visualize your workload. Instead of relying on memory or a cluttered inbox, everything you need is clearly laid out in front of you. This alone can eliminate a huge portion of work stress caused by disorganization or poor time management. To make the most of these tools, set aside a specific time at the start of your workweek to review your upcoming tasks and deadlines. Make sure everything is up to date and realistic. The peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what's on your plate can dramatically lower your stress levels. Consistently Add To Your Brag Sheet Stress often stems from the feeling that we're not accomplishing enough or that our work is going unnoticed. Combat this by maintaining a brag sheet or a document where you record your wins and achievements, no matter how big or small. This could be a Google Doc, a note on your phone, or even a handwritten journal. At the end of each week, jot down what you achieved, whether they are finished projects, positive feedback, problem-solving moments, or handling a tough conversation well. Over time, this collection of accomplishments becomes a tangible reminder of your growth and capabilities. Not only does this practice help build your confidence, but it also comes in handy during performance reviews or job interviews. It provides a mental shift away from focusing only on what's next or distinguishing what went wrong to recognizing what went well. That perspective can go a long way in reducing work-related anxiety. Schedule Fun Activities During The Week Lastly, remember that work is only one part of your life. One of the most overlooked stress-management strategies is to deliberately schedule non-work-related activities not only on weekends but also during the week. These could be as simple as grabbing coffee with a friend, going for a walk in the park, attending a yoga class, or spending an evening reading a book you enjoy or watching a good movie. These moments serve as pressure-release valves, giving your brain a chance to reset. If your calendar is filled only with work obligations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and burned out. But if you treat fun the same way you treat meetings, it becomes a priority and not an afterthought. Think of these activities as 'appointments with yourself.' They not only help you recharge but also give you something to look forward to, which can be incredibly motivating during a stressful workweek. Managing stress at work doesn't require drastic changes. It's about adopting smart, consistent habits. By incorporating these four routines into your weekly rhythm, you can transform your approach to work and significantly reduce the stress that comes with it.
Engadget
22-07-2025
- Health
- Engadget
Headspace annual subscriptions are 40 percent off right now
Like any habit, maintaining a meditation practice can be challenging. Having the right tools can make it a bit easier, which is why we're excited to see a subscription to Headspace is back on sale. Right now, you can get one year of Headspace for $42, down from $70. The 40 percent discount brings the cost to about $3.50 per month. Headspace is Engadget's (and my) pick for best meditation app overall. It's great for so many reasons, including how easy it is to find different types of meditations. There's courses for everything from anxiety to grieving. Plus, you can do single sessions or focus on mindfulness and sleep. Download our favorite meditation app. $42 at Headspace One of the things Headspace does best is make meditation feel doable. It offers a bunch of beginner courses and tools for learning the basics. So, it's a good option if you've wanted to get into meditation but have been unsure how to start. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice .
Perth Now
21-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
What Labor has pledged to put in place in second term
The Albanese government has promised action on family costs, health, defence and the environment. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS) The Albanese government has promised action on family costs, health, defence and the environment. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP The Albanese government will look to implement a long list of promises it made at the election when parliament resumes. COST OF LIVING: * $1,000 tax deductions from 2026-27 for work-related expenses. * Cap prescription medication at $25 and $7.70 for concession card holders. HOUSING: * Five per cent deposits and 100,000 new homes for first-home buyers. * Electricity bill rebates of $75 per household for the final quarters of 2025. HEALTH: * $8.5 billion over four years for Medicare to expand bulk-billing and create 50 extra urgent care clinics. * Free mental health services, new training facilities for professionals, upgrading mental health centres and improvements to mental health organisation Headspace. GENDER: * $573 million in funding for women's health, including spending on long-term contraceptives and expanding endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics. * Men's mental health support measures, which will include training for primary health care workers and support programs. CHILDCARE: * Three days of subsidised child care for every family. * A $1 billion fund to build new childcare centres. EDUCATION: * 20 per cent off HECS debt for university students and graduates. * 100,000 fee-free TAFE placements. DEFENCE: * Grow defence spending by $50.3 billion over the next decade, expanding spending from 2 per cent of GDP to 2.33 per cent by 2033/34. ENVIRONMENT: * Establish a federal Environmental Protection Agency. * $1 billion to support green iron manufacturing, including $500 million for the Whyalla steelworks.
7NEWS
19-07-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Half of Aussie kids are struggling — could this be the breakthrough?
It's the silent struggle playing out in homes, schools and playgrounds across the country. A hidden health crisis that is impacting more and more Australian children. From toddlers to teens, experts are reporting a disturbing surge in psychological distress. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: See the full special report only on 7NEWS tonight live at 6pm. Rates of depression, anxiety and self-harm are climbing, with growing concerns that our youngest generation is now facing an epidemic of mental health issues. And many experts believe it's getting worse. According to Nicola Palfrey, Head of Clinical Research at Headspace, around half of all young people say they've experienced psychological distress. That's a staggering statistic, and one that has only intensified in the wake of the COVID lockdowns. With the explosion of screen time, endless hours on social media and fewer opportunities for real-world connection, the warning signs are everywhere. The impact isn't just emotional. Youth advocates and community leaders are witnessing the change firsthand. Some children are withdrawing. Others are acting out. And families, desperate for answers, are often left with nowhere to turn. But now, in an exclusive new 7NEWS investigation, a major Australian study has revealed a glimmer of hope. Researchers from the University of South Australia have analysed hundreds of clinical trials involving more than 38,000 young people across the globe. Their findings could mark a turning point. The research team, led by Dr Ben Singh, says the results are not only surprising - they are also incredibly encouraging. The study suggests that something simple may hold the key to real change. Something non-invasive, accessible and within reach for nearly every Australian family. It's not a pill. And it doesn't come with a prescription. This Sunday night, 7NEWS explores the surprising new strategy being used in schools, youth programs and even backyards. Emotional testimonies from kids, parents and professionals reveal how it's changing lives. Among them: a teenager who says it's what gets him through the day when school becomes too much. A youth mentor who's seeing transformations she never thought possible. And a community of young people who are finally starting to feel like themselves again. In a world where mental health headlines are often bleak, this one might just restore your hope.
