What are the statistics of mental health for teens?
Unfortunately a significant proportion of young people experience mental health difficulties. If you're concerned about your own mental health or that of another young person there are lots of people and places that you can go to get support.
Hello. So I was just wondering recently, I’m currently dating a 14 year old. We have not, and will not engage in any sexual interaction (no nude photos, no sex, no inappropriate touching, the most we will do is hug). I am 17 years old, turning 18 at the end of the month. She is 14, turning 15 in August. Could our relationship get me into trouble with the law, even if we do not engage in anything sexual?
If your girlfriend is under 16 years of age and you are sexually intimate with her, then you are breaking the law as she is under the age of legal consent. Although there are only three years’ difference between you and your girlfriend, there can be a big difference in maturity and development between the ages of 14 and 17.
How do I stop worrying when I don't need to?
Reaching out for support when you feel worried can be really helpful.
I hate my dad lol
How we feel towards different people we know can change over time and talking to other people about how you feel can help you manage strong emotions or find ways to fix a problem.
What are the main dietary issues for girls my age that have a mum who works full time and doesn't come home till 6, and on top of all of that a little brother to look after?
Diet and nutrition are really important to think about, particularly for children and young women who are growing and need lots of energy.
What are the things teens get most stressed about?
It’s really normal for teens to feel stressed about what’s going on for them.
For the past few days I've been feeling very depressed because my two best friends haven't been hanging out with me as much as they used to and I feel like I don't have anyone that cares about me not even my mum, yesterday I was so sad I literally cried myself to sleep, I don't know what to do.....
Sometimes friendships can be complicated. At these times, it's good to have someone to talk to.
is it normal to feel put off by the idea of sex. because isn't sex supposed to be some thing that enjoyable? but i don't see it that way. is it normal to not want to have sex? even in the future when i get married, the only reason i would have sex would be to have children. is that normal?
It’s really normal to wonder about this, especially because it can seem like sex is talked about a lot. You may see lots of things about sex in the media, so you might feel you’re surrounded by it. It doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is having sex! Sex is different for each person, and yes – it can...
How do you know there is something wrong with you?
It’s perfectly normal to have thoughts and worries that you may need support with.
what is the average age do people start cyber bullying other people.
Learn more about cyber bullying and resources that can help you out
i think i am crazy all my doctors are saying i am not though help me
Reaching out for support when your thoughts and feelings are overwhelming.
what are the statistics of alcohol in young people over the past few years?
Find out some stats about alcohol and young people
How old must you be in Victoria to move out?, without parental permission, and to rent a house?.
Moving out of home as a young person
I like this guy which is a close friend of mine, and I'm not sure if he likes me back. How can I tell if he also has feelings for me and should I tell him the way I feel?
If you're developing strong feelings for a friend and don't know if they feel the same, talking about it can help.
I'm a nerdy guy and I don't leave the house much, and all the relationships I've had so far just haven't seemed to work out due to various reasons, I don't know where to go to meet girls who might be interested in the things i'm interested in, help?
Some advice for making and maintaining friendships
Is it normal to masturbate every day
Masturbation is normal for both genders and how often you do it varies from person to person.
My name is girlyboy. This morning my step-sister Donna - 14 so hot:-) - caught me masturbating in the bathroom with her underwear on my face. She laughed at me and took a photo on her iPhone. What do I say to Donna before she tells mum?
We talk about managing privacy, respect and getting help when things get tricky within families.
How do I help someone, who doesn't want it, but needs it?
What to do when somebody needs help but doesn't want to accept it.
How do you convince your boyfriend to come back while on a break because of depression?
It can be hard not to know where your relationship is going, or to want to be with your boyfriend when you are on a break.
There is a boy at my school that i really like and i have trouble talking to him what should I do we always look at each other and we always play with each other's feet but I just can't talk to him what should i do?
It can be hard to talk to someone when you have strong feelings for them. Here are some tips to help.
I started in a new school this year, and I've put in a class that has lots if girls that are just interested in make-up and boys. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but they all seem to talk about me behind my back. I had many friends at my last school for being my weird, goofy self but whenever I am myself, everyone in my class just frowns and starts glaring. I've been avoiding everyone in my class, but I always find them whispering and glancing at me while they do talk, and when I walk past them, they stop. I don't know what I can do to stop them from doing this?
We talk about what to do when if start a new school and feel like you don't fit in or can't be yourself.
I put myself down quite a lot and also I think very negatively about myself every day. I see hallucinations and rarely hear voices which scare me to death. It mostly happens at night times.
Everyone thinks I am positive person who is bubbly and kind. They think I am normal.
I started to cut, and I haven't told anyone. Even my parents don't know.
All I ask is that seeing hallucinations and hearing demanding voices means I am crazy? What does it mean if that happens. I am just very scared...thank you for listening. :)
Thousands of young people have worries about their mental health. In fact, one in four young people need professional support for their mental health, so you are not alone.
What is the appropriate age to lose your virginity?
What's the appropriate age to lose your virginity? There's no one answer, but we talk about some important things to think about.
I have a boyfriend, who is 17. I rarely get to see him because we live 2 hours apart. We want this relationship to work, we are currently on a break trying to sort everything out. But one of the major issues is the distance. We really want this to work and we have both recently been through a lot of life changing situations. He is suicidal, we are both depressed and I suffer from anxiety. (I go to counselling and he doesn't) I really just want to know how to work with everything, how to maintain a relationship and how to comfort him when he has his moments.
We talk about looking after yourself and your relationship when there are challenges like anxiety and distance.
I'm a 12 year old girl and have a crush on a girl at my school. Is this normal? I'm not homophobic but I'm scared because I think I'm bisexual and I'm only 12.
Having a crush on someone either of the same sex or opposite sex is really normal and lots of 12 year olds have them.
If I'm on the pill but I miss a day, and have unprotected sex, am I pregnant?
The whole safe sex thing can be quite confusing and scary - especially avoiding pregnancy.
Why do people bully?
Why do people bully? It can be for lots of different reasons, but no matter what the reason, bullying behaviour is not okay.
what subjects should I focus on on school? There's too much to do it all.
In the early stages of high school, it is good to give everything a go to test out what you enjoy
Why do I even need to go to English class?
School can sometimes seem boring, but you'll learn skills that you can use across your life
My friend used to be so bubbly and loud and we used to chill pretty much every second day. But over the last couple of months she’s been a bit low at school, she won’t even talk to me. It’s silent treatment all the time. Whenever I want to catch up, she say’s she’s ‘busy’, even though she never leaves her house. I’m freaking out a bit. I’m worried she’ll never want to see me again! Do you reckon she’s depressed?
If you're concerned about changes in mood or behavior, know that these can be treated very successfully
I really like a girl in our gang and I want to kiss her, but she’s got braces on her teeth and seems really embarrassed by them…I’m scared of starting something with her and getting literally cut up by her braces. Is this a stupid question, sorry?
Worried about kissing someone with braces? Don't be!
I just want to hang out with my boyfriend and my friends but he just wants to stay at home by ourselves. It’s getting boring…what do I do?
It's normal for two people in a relationship to have different social needs - negotiating these is the important part
My grandmother has recently moved in with us. Pop died a couple of months ago, and my mum says that she wants to look after grandma. I have been close with grandma since I was little, and at first I was really excited about her moving in. I feel sorry for grandma but she is really getting on my nerves! She follows me around the house and wants to know what I am doing all of the time. I love her, but how can I get some space from her! #frustrated
Coping with an adjustment period in the family is tricky for everyone
I’ve always been shy but now I don’t want to go anywhere and I’m scared to be asked questions in school. Why is this happening to me? How can I make it stop?
We share some tips and tricks to help out with fear and confidence
I did an online test that said that I was depressed and that’s why I can’t sleep because the thoughts keep me awake. What can I do?
Some of our handy tips and tricks to deal with depression
I’ve been really grouchy lately and everyone complains that I’m always negative! I can’t help it! It’s hard to feel like I’m enjoying things when I can see how I don’t feel like I fit in and I see how things are going wrong and can’t see the point of stuff. My friend says that I’m depressed. Can depression be fixed?
We share some thoughts about depression to help you through the negativity
It’s really hard to talk to guys that I like, and it makes it even more challenging when they are pissed or worse Stoned. I wish we could socialize more where everyone is not wasted. I like funny guys, but some party drug use sucks. Am I Weird or old fashioned or something? Or are other girls getting sick of wasted guys who can’t talk, dance or kiss without vomiting?
Keen on someone, but finding socializing difficult because of drugs and alcohol?
I’m wrecked. I’ve been going out to a lot of parties, but the thing is, I can’t remember any of them. That kind of worries me. My parents won’t stop bugging me about it. They’re worried because I get home really late and sometimes wake up with random bruises. I wanna go out and party, what can I do about my parents and the bruises? #highschool #partyhard #craycray
It's important to be in control of your alcohol consumption
Lately I’ve been a bit stressed cause all my mates are drinking. I don’t drink and it just feels like I’m missing out on the fun at every party. I wouldn’t wanna hang out with the guys that don’t drink, that would mean ditching my mates entirely. Should I give drinking a try? #dunnno #YOLO #feellikealoser
We share some thoughts about having fun without alcohol
I’ve been feeling pressured, overwhelmed and unable to keep up with everything in my life. My performance at rowing camp has decreased, so I’ve been running twice a day to improve my fitness. I feel tired all of the time. My friends and family have noticed that I’ve lost a lot of weight, as I’m not eating much. I can’t focus and am worried about my workload. Any ideas on how to get my parents off my back?
Overwhelmed by stress? Slow down and reach out for help
School has been taking over my life, it’s all I have time to focus on. People have been inviting me out but I don’t go cause I know that’s lost study time. It feels like every minute closer to VCE exams is a step back from my friends. Feeling so stressed, does anyone else feel like this?
Year 12 is a hectic, stressful time - we share some tricks to find calm in the storm
My parents are separated and I miss my dad. What can I do?
Separation is tough. If you miss one of your parents, how can you tell them how you feel?
My Mum keeps telling me that if Dad hadn’t screwed things up we’d still be living in our old house and wouldn’t have to worry about every bit of money we spend. My Dad did screw things up and I’m really angry with him, but every time Mum says this I want to scream at her, its not fair.
How to cope when your separated parents talk each other down
My Mum keeps telling me that she misses me when I go over to Dad’s place. I think she’s really lonely when I’m not around and then I feel bad for leaving her by herself.
Having empathy for your parents after their separation is important
My Dad always makes a big effort to hang out with us on the weekends. He takes us to the pool and we get hot chips and icecream and watch DVD’s afterwards. Its pretty good really. But then he asks us what fun things Mum has done with us over the week and then I feel crappy with Mum cause she’s just making me do my homework and I have to unpack the dishwasher. I wish Mum would do more good things with us.
Sometimes, it's hard to see that your separated parents are trying to do what's best for you
My Dad keeps nagging me to tell Mum that she owes him money for my dentist. I feel really guilty. If I hadn’t got braces then maybe they wouldn’t be arguing about the bill. I don’t know what to do.
We share some ideas so you can stop the uncomfortable role of being messenger between your parents
My Mum keeps telling my Dad that we don’t eat properly at his house and then when he drops us off she asks me if I feel hungry. Whatever I say I’m going to upset one of them. What should I do?
How to deal with being caught in the middle of conflicting, separated parents
My Dad keeps asking me if my mum is inviting anybody over to the house. My Mum’s cousin is over all the time and I know my Dad really doesn’t like her. I don’t know what to say?
How can you stop your separated parents from making you play detective
My mum and dad have just told me that they are going to separate. I can’t believe it. They have always seemed really happy. I thought they were good friends too? They said to me that they are still going to be a “parenting team” whatever that means! But they don’t love each other anymore. They haven’t even tried to keep our family together! Why has this happened? #Shocked and confused
Separation and divorce is a difficult time of change - we share some resources to help you through this
I have been with my boyfriend for a year. The relationship started out as really fun, but more and more I get nervous and sometimes scared because of my boyfriend’s angry moods.
How to deal with a relationship that's heading down an unhealthy path
My 88 year old grandad died last week. I am worried about my mum.
Helping someone through their grief
My best friend and family have had a terrible time. They’ve lost all their belongings due to a house fire last week. My friend hasn’t been at school for a few days. We have all tried to help with practical support from school. I have been more worried about the fact that my friend had been sad for a few months. Is there anything else I can do?
Helping a friend by showing your support and reaching out to professionals
My parents will not leave me alone! They have to control EVERYTHING! Where I am, who my friends are, they even control which subjects I do at school. Worse yet, they hand pick MY career… as a doctor. I guess I’m stuffed. Can’t keep up with all their rules and restrictions, how do I change their minds? #useless#stressed
How to deal with parents you feel may be controlling
My parents yell at each other all the time. If we tell them to shut up they tell us to do our homework. I can’t do my homework when they’re yelling at each other. What should I do?
What you can do when you're witnessing your parents fight constantly
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