At this years Principals’ Breakfast, school principals were joined by Councillors, Manningham’s Youth Advisory Committee, community organisations, local religious organisations and Victoria Police.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante commended the coming together of our community.
“Supporting young people is a shared responsibility: families, schools and community. Regardless of how big our cities get, we should remember the wise saying that it takes a village to raise a child,” Cr Diamante said.
“I’m proud that in Manningham we’re collaborating to identify the best ways to support our young people through the many challenges they are facing,” she said.
Many concerns were identified at the event, including:
- mental health
- anxiety
- social media
- bullying
- isolation.
Manningham Youth Advisory Committee member, Tania shared how the root of the crisis often starts at home.
“Family income is a big factor. Parents don’t have the capacity to spend time with their kids,” Tania said.
Keynote speaker, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg said more needs to be done to support schools to prevent the worst of our youth mental health crisis.
“Schools have the capacity to create a robust fence at the top of the cliff. I represent an expensive ambulance at the bottom of the cliff,” Dr Carr-Gregg said.
Find more information and resources on our website.
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg shared online interactive resources for the prevention and treatment of adolescent anxiety and depression.
