"When children encounter traumatic events, their brain processes these emotions, storing them as powerful memories. It's natural for them to be curious, concerned, or even scared. Their world view is still forming, and these events can be overwhelming and difficult for them to process."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

"Social media influencers often present a highly curated and filtered version of their lives, showcasing only the positive aspects. This can create unrealistic beauty standards, success and happiness for children. Constant exposure to this may lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-worth and dissatisfaction."

Dr Emma Woodward

“The recent floods have touched the lives of many. If your child or teenager is exposed to a natural disaster, either directly through lived experience or indirectly through the media, then your support is vital."

Dr Emma Woodward

"The importance of celebrating Matariki as a country, for tamariki Māori, cannot be understated. When your culture is seen and valued by the wider populace, it is uplifting and fills our tamariki with a sense of pride."

Myles Ferris

“The evidence show us that having a supportive discussion about a stressful event can actually decrease a young person’s distress. Answering their questions honestly will help them process any difficult emotions that may arise."

Dr Emma Woodward

“As human beings, our brains haven’t evolved fast enough to adapt to the digital world that we now live in. This means that the overload of messages that we receive through ever-present media platforms often results in stress, anxiety, and overwhelm."

Dr Emma Woodward

“Parents can help instil hope by encouraging their kids to see life as it is. Human beings, particularly young ones, hate uncertainty and often their natural response is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“All the transitions are important, but the transition to high school is unique due to the cognitive and emotional changes students are undergoing during this stage of their development. Starting high school can feel exciting and challenging, sometimes both at the same time!"

Dr Emma Woodward

“Research shows there are specific risk factors that increase the likelihood of teenagers developing a mental health problem. Some are set in stone, and others are modifiable. It can impact their ability to function and perform normal activities."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Whilst most children are resilient and seem to be demonstrating a remarkable capacity to manage this challenging time, others are not faring as well. This makes it really important for parents to be vigilant for any signs of distress."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

"Starting at a new school is a big deal! Your child is going to meet lots of new people and be thrown into new situations. That’s bound to make them feel lots of different emotions."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Although e-cigarettes have been around for more than a decade, vaping rates have skyrocketed in recent years, especially among teenagers, and many parents are justifiably concerned.”

Dr Hannah Norris

“Many parents today are afflicted with a Vitamin N deficiency…the inability to say, “No” to their children. It's incredibly important that parents set limits and boundaries. The consequences of bad parenting has both short and long-term effects.”

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“The game can be problematic for those kids who play in an ‘obsessive way’. It will interfere with their sleep, it will interfere with, obviously, homework, and it’ll interfere with normal relationships at home.”

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg