Information and communication technologies (ICTs) play an
increasingly significant role in the key social and economic
determinants of young people's mental health that have been
identified by VicHealth in its Mental Health Promotion Framework
2005-2007.
ICTs create new processes of social inclusion, can contribute to
ensuring freedom from discrimination and violence and facilitate
access to economic resources. Whilst changes and developments in
technology are rapid, there has not yet been a time when the
learning, training, citizenship and enterprise potential from the
creative use of digital technologies, has been greater.
'Cyberspace' represents a new sector for action which VicHealth
would like to explore. To this end, a scoping paper entitled Young
People, Technology & Social Relationships was commissioned by
VicHealth and undertaken by Johanna Wyn of the University of
Melbourne's Youth Research Centre.
In Australia, one in five young people experience a mental
health problem. Within this group, only 30% receive professional
help, indicating a significant gap in the provision of mental
health services.
The internet provides a relevant and engaging opportunity to
overcome the barriers to help seeking and connect with young
people.
ReachOut.com is a mental health service that uses the internet
to enable young people to help themselves and others, with a focus
on health promotion and intervention. It utilises innovative and
relevant youth technologies with a grounding youth participation
model and a marketing and branding strategy which places
ReachOut.com amidst youth culture.
ReachOut.com harnesses communication technology and draws from
the current evidence case and best practice models in intervention
and clinical practice, creating the potential to positively impact
on the mental health and emotional well being of young people.