The internet and smart phones have a role to play in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in young people, according to Australia’s leading adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.
Dr Carr-Gregg will be in Burnie on Monday 23 September to present a full day workshop and an evening forum titled The Use of Web-based Interventions and Smart Phone Apps in the Promotion of Youth Mental Health and Well-Being.
Dr Carr-Gregg said technology is getting faster and cleverer and the roll-out of the National Broadband Network means that increasingly our young people will - whether we like it or not - be continuously connected.
“While the media focus has been overwhelmingly on the downside of this technology, in the form of cyber bullying, sexting, malware and scams, there is a substantial upside - this revolution has already brought untold benefits for workers with young people in health, education and welfare.
“Australia is a world leader in ePsychology and this presentation aims to introduce participants to the latest research, web-based programs and smart phone apps that can help promote good mental health in young people, as well as playing a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of high-prevalence disorders.”
Dr Carr-Gregg’s visit is being sponsored by the UTAS University Department of Rural Health and the UTAS Rural Clinical School, with support from the North and North West Tasmania Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN) and Australian Psychological Society (APS) branches.