Generation Next Podcasts

Adults are often wary of discussing mental health with teenagers. Many have internalised pervasive myths about risks associated with talking about mental health. Others just do not feel confident that they can communicate well with them when it comes to sensitive topics. This presentation highlights practical and simple tools which will help you to talk effectively about mental health to the young people in your life.

What are some of the negative messages that children are internalising? Learn about the impact that these messages have on children.

Educators are uniquely placed to prevent and respond early to child sexual abuse - here's why.

30% of teenage boys and 50% of teenage girls engage in unhealthy behaviours to control their weight. Find out some of the most common myths surrounding eating disorders among teens, how to distinguish between passing and more severe eating behaviours, and the mental illnesses that commonly appear alongside eating disorders in youth.

How well are we faring when it comes to educating students about the harms of alcohol and drugs? Paul discusses our track record, areas for improvement and the role of parental influence in school drugs education.

What are some of the attitudes that young people hold when it comes to relationships and violence? Are these damaging in any way, and if so, how can we start challenging them? Dr Justin Coulson discusses the obvious and more subtle impacts of living in a culture of disrespect, how this influences attitudes among youth and why we need to think again about the language we use.

What is sexting and why do children and teens engage in it? Greg Gebhart, Senior Education Trainer at the Office of the Children's eSafety Commissioner, explores the motivations behind sexting, prevalence rates as well as possible emotional and legal implications for youth under the age of 18.

In this empowering lecture, Professor Tony Attwood discusses the defining characteristics of 'Aspies' - people with Asperger's Syndrome - and how these change from early childhood to the adult years and vary according to gender. Professor Attwood challenges you to imagine life through the eyes of an Aspie, and recognise the invaluable and unique contribution they make to society and intellectual development.

Why are some young people drawn to playing games excessively and when should parents be concerned? Psychotherapist James Driver challenges us to go beyond the question of 'how much is too much' to consider the reasons why young people might be drawn to excessive gaming, some of the risk factors that might predict such addictive behaviour, and to use this knowledge to better recognise emerging warning signs of problematic overuse.

Young people aged 10-15 are 'no longer children, not yet adults'. These years are fraught with change physically, socially, academically, psychologically and emotionally. To better navigate this critical period in adolescent development, find out some principles and practical strategies to understand, motivate, challenge and engage with age group in learning and in life.