By Eimear Quigley, Clinical Psychologist In a world first, Australia “banned” social media in under 16-year-olds in December 2025. This raised an ongoing debate in our world about whether social media is a good, or bad thing. Many people view social media platforms as environments for connection and belonging, whilst others view the same platforms as breeding grounds for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and self-perception. Like with most lifestyle habits, I see...

Adolescence can be messy, intense, confusing, and wonderful. For autistic teens, it can come with a set of challenges that aren’t always obvious from the outside: bigger emotional waves, higher sensory load, more unpredictability, and a world that suddenly expects more independence at the exact time they feel least resourced. For parents, this can create a feeling of constantly trying to translate a language no one taught you. The experience of autistic teenagers is different. Parents,...

If January resolutions keep falling apart, effort may not be the problem. Designing supportive routines and practising self compassion creates change that lasts longer than motivation alone.