Triple P International is today welcoming the Australian Government’s $40.6m investment into building children’s emotional wellbeing and helping them to thrive, by funding access for parents and caregivers to Triple P’s evidence-based, world leading online programs.

Triple P International Country Director, Carol-Markie-Dadds said that one in seven Australian children aged 4 to 11 years, experience a mental disorder, and half of all mental health conditions start by the age of 14 years - anxiety disorders being the second most common mental health problem experienced by children (and the most common in girls) after ADHD[1].

“In line with the National Children’s Mental Health Strategy, a mix of early intervention strategies and building parents’ mental health literacy to recognise and respond to the early signs of anxiety or stress, is key to addressing children’s mental health concerns before they become severe and longstanding issues,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

“Parenting isn’t easy, and now more than ever, parents and carers are telling us that they need parenting resources that can help with a wide range of concerns,” she said.

“This funding means universal access to Triple P’s online, easy-to-use parenting support that provides a range of practical and proven strategies for supporting children’s healthy development, for those who have the biggest influence on a child’s life – parents and caregivers.

“Parents and carers can do the interactive and engaging, online program for as little as ten minutes or decide to explore for longer and see a range of benefits that will help build children’s life skills.

“For parents of babies right through to tweens, the broad range of effective strategies can be adapted to suit the needs of every family, so parents can feel confident about handling each new age, stage, and situation,” she said.

“The strategies include how to create the best environment for your child’s development; knowing how to address child behaviours, promoting new skills, and helping emotional self-regulation; raising happier, more confident and capable children; and improving your relationship as a family.

“Triple P has delivered positive outcomes for children and their families across Australia, and 30 countries around the world, for over 40 years.

“We look forward to working with the Government, the mental health sector, and the broader range of universal services who have regular and direct contact with children and families. This includes schools, early childhood services, and child health centres,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

For more information about the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, please visit www.triplep-parenting.net.au

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MEDIA CONTACT: Cate Kennedy, Public Relations Manager – 0477 286 557 or cate.kennedy@triplep.net