headspace has partnered with Instagram to highlight the communities of support that exist for young people online and offline using #GramFamAustralia, including messages of support from Australian celebrities and creators who are sharing support for Year 12 students this week.
#GramFam Australia features messages from Amy Shark, Lisa Wilkinson, Sandra Sully, Peter Helliar, Olivia Deeble, Jai Waetford, and other young Australians ahead of the release of exam results on Thursday December 13.
Available on headspace Australia’s Instagram (@headspace_aus), the project aims to share experiences and practical advice for young people dealing with anxiety or stress ahead of receiving their end-of-school exam results.
Last month, a Pew Center study in the US found that eight in 10 teens ages 13 to 17 (81%) say social media makes them feel more connected to what’s going on in their friends’ lives, while over two-thirds (68%) say these platforms make them feel as if they have people who will support them through tough times. The study showed that 71% of teens reported they feel more confident and included thanks to social media.
See the full campaign now at the headspace Instagram here.
Nick Duigan, Senior Clinical Advisor from headspace National, said: “Finishing high school can be a stressful time for young people, and this is often coupled with anxiety around receiving final exam results. We know young people spend an increasing amount of time accessing support online when times are tough. That’s why we’ve worked with Instagram to bring together a host of familiar faces to share messages of support for young people during what should be a positive and exciting time in their lives.”
“Many of these messages will focus on the importance of connecting with family and friends face to face, staying active, prioritising sleep, getting outside and having some time away from devices,” he said.
Naomi Shepherd, Group Director at Facebook Australia, said: “We’re committed to making Instagram the kindest and most positive online community, and this partnership with headspace is an exciting new step in supporting young people around Australia. Instagram gives everyone access to powerful communities that share similar experiences and empower one another. Every day, we see people using the platform to strengthen their relationships with friends and family, build communities based on shared interests and passions, and give and get support when going through a hard time. Just this week, we saw the hashtag #selfcaresis trending where Aussies where sharing tips for self-care. We believe #GramFam Australia will continue this positive conversation on Instagram, and connect students to the people and communities that can support them when they need it most.”
Contributors to #GramFam Australia include:
• ARIA award winning musician AmyShark (@amysharkmusic)
• TV presenter LisaWilkinson (@lisa_wilkinson)
• News presenter and editor Sandra Sully (@shortblack_)
• Musician and actor Jai Waetford (@jaiwaetford)
• Actress and model OliviaDeeble (@oliviadeeble)
• Comedian and writer Pete Helliar (@pjhelliar)
• The Project’s Gorgi Coghlan (@gorgicoghlan) ,Hamish MacDonald ,and TommyLittle (@mrstommylittle)
• Surfer and adventurer AlexHayes (@alexhayes)
• Singer, student, and Instagram creator Jakob Delgado (@jakobdelgado)
• Gymnast twins and social media stars Sam & Teagan Rybka (@rybkatwinsofficial)
• Musician and current Year 12 student Chris Lanzon( @chrislanzon)
If you or someone you know is struggling, visit headspace.org.au to find your nearest centre or call eheadspace on 1800 650 890. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Help Line on 1800 55 18 00 or 000 if it is an emergency.