Award-winning Partners in Parenting program expanded with online resources
An updated version of the evidence-based interactive online Partners in Parenting program, PiP+, is now available to provide parents with tips to help their teenage children manage the stress and anxiety of COVID.
Partners in Parenting is an award-winning, evidence-based online parenting program designed to help build the skills and confidence of parents in ways that may reduce their teenager’s risk of developing depression or an anxiety disorder.
Led by Monash University Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health researchers Associate Professor Marie Yap and Dr Mairead Cardamone-Breen, the program was recently updated in partnership with Action Lab at Monash University’s Faculty of Information Technology.
Partners in Parenting is based on a review of previous research studies and the consensus of international experts on what parents can do to support their teenager’s mental health, and the new version now includes specific strategies for doing this during and beyond this pandemic.
Associate Professor Yap said the pandemic has significantly impacted teenagers because of the repeated disruptions to their schooling and opportunities for socialising.
“COVID has been a huge stress for many teenagers across Australia but particularly here in Melbourne,” she said.
“There are things parents can do that can make a real difference in their teenager’s ability to navigate these challenges and come out stronger on the other side.”
Dr Cardamone-Breen said the online program helps parents to maintain a strong relationship with their teenagers, set clear and fair rules, be a good role model, and reduce conflict at home.
“The new version PiP+ includes the latest Parenting through the pandemic module, as well as access to anonline community where parents can meet other parents who are also raising teenagers, and learn from one another’s experiences
Dr Ling Wu, design lead for PiP+ said: “We have worked closely with parents to understand their challenges and concerns. This formed a foundation for us to design the best ways to communicate practical and simple steps that every parent can take to support their teenager through this period – particularly as Melbourne and Sydney are re-opening and restrictions are easing.”.
As technical lead Dr Jue (Grace) Xie added: “PiP+offers up to 10 interactive online modules (15-25 minutes each) and provides many helpful tips and strategies to ensure parents are able to provide the best possible support to their teenagers.”
To date, Monash’s research trials with over 1,500 Australian parents show that the program is effective, with significant positive benefits for both parents and teens.
Mental health and wellbeing organisation Prevention United have been partnering with Monash University since 2019 to make Partners in Parenting available to parents across Australia.
According to Prevention United CEO, Dr Stephen Carbone “Youth mental health problems are on the rise and so it’s vital we take a more proactive and preventative approach. We’re therefore thrilled to be working with Professor Yap to ensure that every parent in Australia with a teenager aged 12-17 can access this free and effective program.”
For more information on the program visit https://partnersinparenting.com.au/