Breakthrough
This campaign shines a light on anxiety in young people by dramatising the gap between what teens and parents say to each other, and how they really feel. The TV advert, which shows a conversation between a dad and his unresponsive daughter, reinforced that time and effort can eventually pay off and be beneficial to mental wellbeing. In 2022, when this ad first aired, over 1 in 4 people who saw the campaign, took a positive action as a result.
Where to go for support
Here are 3 simple tips from the experts to help you connect with the young person in your life:
Teenagers are more likely to open up if your conversation isn’t the main focus. Shared activities, like going for a walk or cooking together at home, create a more relaxed environment. Putting them at ease means they’ll feel more comfortable talking.
Reassure them that you're there for them and they can talk to you whenever they need to, Be ready to listen to what they say, and try not to assume that you already know what’s wrong or what will help.
Don’t force it if they don't want to talk right now. Wait until they’re ready and suggest a way for them to let you know, like leaving a note or texting. Pointing them towards helplines, textlines and online chat services can help them feel supported until they’re ready to talk to you.
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