Unfortunately, the mental health of young people has been significantly impacted by the pandemic.

As many families settle back into pre-COVID routines, there seems to be a pervasive sense of optimism about what lies ahead.

Unfortunately children and teens are not immune to what is now being termed the “psychological pandemic”. Young people are at risk of not achieving the primary demands of developmental tasks such as procuring independence, identity formation, as well as obtaining and maintaining peer relationships. What kids need most in the current environment is support, understanding, empathy and encouragement from caring adults. They live up or down to the expectations we set for them.

If there is a panacea to the adversity caused by the pandemic, then it is the building of resilience. Resilience is the capacity to face, overcome, be strengthened and transformed by adversity. Never before have parents needed the skills, the knowledge and the strategies to build resilience in their children as much as they do now. There are seven integral and interrelated components that make up being resilient that can help young people thrive and develop healthy coping strategies.

This Special Report of SchoolTV explores the “7 C’s of Resilience” and includes suggested strategies on how adult carers can best facilitate them.

You can watch the episode at:https://glc.vic.schooltv.me/ wellbeing_news/special-reportbuilding- resilience-post-pandemic

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Natasha Rae (Bth, Psyc Sci, MAPP)

GLC Armstrong Creek Wellbeing Coordinator