SUICIDE PREVENTION ADVICE

2024-01-24 - Emma Cam

MISSING IN ACTION

Fewer than one in 10 (8.9 per cent) 1517-year-olds meet the physical activity guidelines, according to the ABS National Health Survey (2020-21), as the pull towards screen-based leisure activities intensified.

While more than a quarter of teens (26.8 per cent) did at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, it was not always moderate to vigorous activity and very few (21.1 per cent) did the

Tyler Smith has “always been active” and hits the gym to “become stronger and more athletic” to improve his AFL game.

He and workout buddy Daisy White are a picture of health but they are among a minority of 15- to 17-year olds meeting physical activity guidelines. The pair belong to a “teen specific” exercise program, created by Andrew Khoshaba in Gymea, Sydney. three or more days of muscle strength or toning exercises they should.

The most-recent Lancet study rated Australian teens among the least active in the world (140 out of the 146 countries).

HEALTHY EATING TECH

Dr Partridge believes technology can inspire teens to eat better.

She said this could include sending them text messages.

But the message must be targeted and not disparaging, as they feel invincible at this age.

And they should also broach the broader issues they are concerned about, like the environment and getting better marks at school.

“It’s focused on building healthy behaviours that you can embed within your life so it’s around healthy food choices … how to pick a healthy menu item at a restaurant, she said.

“And making sure that none of this is triggering or exacerbating any eating disorders.”

For parents worried about their children’s weight, Assoc Prof Sharp has developed an online chatbot called JEM that provides tips at www.monash.edu/medicine.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“It is the perfect way to introduce teenagers to exercise (and) a fundamental fitness routine,” Skygym’s Mr Khoshaba said. His one-of-a-kind program, which focuses not just on health and fitness, but also building self-esteem, has received a positive response from the community.

Daisy joined the Skyteen program with her younger brother. “I’d been asking mum for a while if I could join a gym but we couldn’t find one that would let someone my age go on my own,” she said.

Studies show switching to a Mediterranean diet high in vegetables, fruit and olive oil can have a beneficial impact on mental health.

“There’s nothing wrong with frozen vegetables or vegetables or tin beans.

“That type of food is not considered ultra-processed and in a lot of cases it’s cheaper than fresh food,” Dr Lane explained.

A calcium-rich diet can also protect future bone health, while teens are growing, according to University of Melbourne nutritionist Dr Anita Lawrence.

This way of eating includes three and a half servings of dairy a day and two servings of protein. There are easy swapouts for vegetarians and vegans.

SLEEP IS CRUCIAL

Good sleep is essential to see teens through this major growth spurt yet University of Queensland researchers have found most are getting three hours less per night than the recommended 8-10 hours.

“The brain experiences significant development changes during the formative teen years, and adequate sleep is an essential part of that development,” University of Queensland sleep expert Dr Arthur Teng said.

“Chronic sleep deprivation reduces the brain’s ability to process new information and leads to emotional issues such as depression and aggression.”

It can also lead to risky behaviours such as drink-driving, fighting and substance abuse.

Warning signs

Your teen is withdrawing from other people, is feeling worthless, isolated, lonely, getting stuck on negative thoughts, suffering poor sleep, anger, frustration, self harming, abusing alcohol and drugs.