Good mental health is important for pre-teen and teenage development, strong relationships and resilience.

Strong and loving relationships can have a direct and positive influence on pre-teen and teenage mental health.

Physical health is key to mental health. Encourage teenagers to stay active, eat well, sleep, and avoid alcohol and other drugs.If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, start by talking with your child.

There are many support options for pre-teens and teenagers with mental health problems.

What is pre-teen and teenage mental health?

Mental health is a way of describing psychological, social and emotional wellbeing.

Your child needs good mental health to develop well, build strong relationships, adapt to change and deal with life’s challenges.

Pre-teens and teenagers who have good mental health often:

1.feel happier and more positive about themselves and enjoy life.

2.bounce back from upsets and disappointments.

3.have healthier relationships with family and friends.

4.do physical activity and eat a healthy dietget involved in activities.

5.have a sense of achievement.

6.can relax and get a good night’s sleep feel like they belong to their communities.

Promoting good pre-teen and teenage mental health .

Your love and support and a strong relationship with you can have a direct and positive influence on your child’s mental health. It can even reduce the chances of your child experiencing mental health problems.

Here are ideas to promote your child’s mental health and wellbeing:

Show love, affection and care for your child in ways that your child likes – for example, your child might like hugs, smiles, pats on the back or quiet time together.

Show that you’re interested in what’s happening in your child’s life.

Praise your child’s efforts as well as their good points and achievements.

Value your child’s ideas and opinions.

Enjoy spending time together one on one with your child and also as a family.

Encourage your child to talk about feelings with you.

It’s important for your child to feel they don’t have to go through things on their own. If you work together on solving problems, it can stop things building up.

Talk to trusted family members, friends, other parents or teachers if you have any concerns.

If you feel you need more help, speak to your GP or another health professional.

Physical health is a big part of mental health. To help your child stay emotionally and physically healthy, encourage your child to do the following:

Keep active. Physical fitness will help your child stay healthy, have more energy, feel confident, manage stress and sleep well.

Develop and maintain healthy eating habits.

Get enough regular sleep.

Pre-teens need 9-11 hours of sleep and teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep a night.

Quality sleep will help your child to manage a busy life, stress and responsibilities.

Balance screen time and digital technology use with other activities that are good for development.

Avoid alcohol and other drugs.