Social media can be an avenue for connection and belonging, but it can also affect mental and emotional wellbeing.
Anyone affected by the stories in this Young & Regional series, or who is struggling with their relationship with social media, should seek help.
Mental Health
Lifeline on 13 11 14. This charity provides a 24/7 helpline for people of all ages having thoughts of suicide or struggling with their mental health. Its website has a range of tools and resources.
ReachOut offers online resources and an anonymous chat service and is specifically designed for young Australians. It also has a lot of information on managing social media use.
beyondblue provides 24/7 support to Australians dealing with mental health issues, including a helpline and online counsellors.
The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (NSW) helps inform, educate and connect regional, rural and remote people to mental health support. It focuses on the unique challenges of country life.
The Kids Helpline offers confidential support for children aged between 13-17 on 1800 551 800.
Indigenous people can access support on 13YARN 13 92 76, with specialist support for First Nation Australians.
headspace is Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing support to people aged between 12-25.
Mentoring for young people
Top Blokes provides mentoring opportunities for young men in the Illawarra, Central Coast, and Western Sydney regions.
Menslink/Fearless Women (ACT) offers free counselling, volunteer mentoring, and education programs to young people in the Canberra region.
Exit helps Australians trying to leave radical or extremist groups and ideologies. The charity offers intervention services, mental health support, counselling for family and friends, as well as legal assistance.
Domestic Violence
White Ribbon runs a 24/7 hotline on 1800RESPECT for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
The Men's Referral Service on 1300 776 491 provides support to men who use violence.
Body Image
The Butterfly Foundation offers support for Australians struggling with eating disorders and other body image issues.
Gambling
The National Gambling Helpline can assist people struggling with gambling on 1800 858 858.
Reporting online safety issues
The eSafety Commissioner takes reports of concerning behaviour online, including cyberbullying, cyber abuse, the sharing of non-consensual images, and illegal content.
Lucy Arundell
Lucy is an ACT Legislative Assembly reporter for The Canberra Times. She previously worked as the city reporter. Got a tip? Email her at lucy.arundell@canberratimes.com.au.
