Teen Parenting Program

Australian parenting program lowers risk for teenage depression

The teenage years can be tough. There are the usual highs and lows, but for many young people the symptoms of depression emerge for the first time.

But a world-leading online parenting program developed by Monash University is showing there are things parents can do to support their teen's mental wellbeing and reduce their risk of developing depression.

A recently published study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found the Partners in Parenting program improves parenting practices in ways that reduce their teen's risk of developing depression – including parents reporting fewer depressive symptoms for their teenager compared to a control group of parents who received general information about teenage development. Most notably, these positive results were maintained 12 months after completing the program.

This study is the second of two randomised controlled trials of the program involving over 700 Australian parents that showed positive results.
Partners in Parenting is now being rolled out more widely in partnership with mental health charity, Prevention United, with thanks to funding from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and support from Monash University.

"The causes of mental health problems in young people are complex, but decades of research has shown that supportive parenting can be protective and lowers risk. We are so pleased to make our program available to more parents, to empower them to help build their teenager's resilience against the challenges life throws at them" said program founder, Associate Professor Marie Yap from Monash University.

Prevention United Executive Director Dr Stephen Carbone said parents are still the most important people in a young person's life, and programs like Partners in Parenting are a great way for parents to get a confidence boost and learn some new parenting skills as they navigate the tricky teenage years.

"It's free, it works, it's developed by leading experts right here in Australia, and it's online so parents can access it whenever suits in their busy lives. The program helps put some powerful protective factors for mental health into the homes of everyone who participates. We hope as many parents as possible take up this opportunity".

The program offers personalised and practical strategies across a number of key areas:
• Establishing and maintaining a close relationship
• Staying involved while supporting independence
• Establishing family rules and consequences
• Minimising conflict at home

Image Credit: Unsplash, Marcos Heredia