Latest news with #TripleP
RNZ News
24-07-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Kids and smartphones
Owning a smartphone before age 13 is associated with poorer mind health and wellbeing in early adulthood, according to a global study of more than 100,000 young people. The study was published earlier this week in the peer-reviewed Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, and found that 18- to 24-year-olds who had received their first smartphone at age 12 or younger were more likely to report suicidal thoughts, aggression, detachment from reality, poorer emotional regulation, and low self-worth. OECD data in 2018 showed that New Zealand youth used digital devices 42 hours per week on average, compared to 35 hours globally, and studies have shown that children's screen use has increased since then. So how can parents and caregivers manage screen time? Kathryn speaks with Jackie Riach, psychologist and country lead for Triple P New Zealand which provides parenting programmes nationwide. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Scoop
29-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Managing Kiwi Kids' Screen Time: Simple Strategies For These School Holidays
With the school holidays fast approaching, effectively managing Kiwi kids' screen time is front-of-mind for many families across New Zealand. Well aware of the challenges many families are facing, Triple P – Positive Parenting Program have some simple strategies to help create a healthy balance with their time on devices over the break. Research from the OECD shows that the use of screen time in New Zealand's young people has increased from 22 to 42 hours per week between 2012 and 2018. More recent data from Netsafe NZ has also found frequent and extensive device use can pose a range of health risks to the health and wellbeing of children, including an impact on sleep cycles, reduced physical activity and the risk of weakening communication and social skills. Jackie Riach, Triple P New Zealand Country Lead and Psychologist understands the challenges family and whānau grapple with over this issue. 'The good news is, there are a range of effective ways to support your children to maintain a positive relationship with the digital world, while simultaneously strengthening trust and transparency within the family,' she says. With Triple P's practical strategies, parents and carers can make the most of their time together over the school holidays, while also promoting a healthy and balanced approach to using devices: Set a screen time schedule: The New Zealand Ministry of Health's guidelines suggest that children under two should have no screen time, two-to-five-year old's should have a maximum of one hour a day and five years and above should have no more than two hours. When whānau and family decide on a daily or weekly schedule for using technology, expectations are clear about when and where it is not OK to use screens – like during family meals, kai times, or the critical hour before bedtime. Swap time on devices for other activities: Replace the time you would normally spend on a device with something else, such as physical activity or an indoor hobby, like baking. This way your young person can engage their brain in different and new ways, while also spending quality time as a family. That's a win-win. Keep the conversation open and honest: Regardless of age, many people turn to screens to socialise, so cutting this out during the school holidays – when kids aren't seeing their friends everyday – can lead to conflict within families and whānau. Have an open and honest conversation about the 'why,' so kids don't feel blindsided or unsupported in their feelings. Remember that change can be hard and overwhelming. Acknowledge there is no quick fix: The school holidays present a range of challenges – and tackling screen time is just one of them. It's OK to not get it perfect from the start, so try looking at it as an ongoing learning opportunity for the whole family, rather than a quick fix. Celebrate what your young person has achieved rather than what they haven't as change takes trial, error and time. 'Every family is unique, and there's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Prevention and early intervention strategies to support healthy digital behaviours are important to supporting a range of good social and emotional outcomes for children and teens' says Jackie Riach. For Sophie, with her son Zane (13) and daughter Zoe (11), managing her children's screen time is a real challenge. 'Honestly we struggle trying to maintain the balance of allowing the kids time on their devices, going to sport, and helping out with chores,' she says. 'The tools and tips that Triple P suggest are great reminders and I just need to be more planned and proactive about applying them.' You can find out more about teaching kids to use screen time responsibly on Triple P's website here Thanks to government funding, Triple P programmes are delivered to families across four regions in New Zealand through a Ministry of Health initiative. Feedback from families and whānau that have used Triple P's online programmes is overwhelming, with parents and caregivers expressing that they feel calmer, more confident and are better supported in understanding their children's needs. Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program to parents and carers of children in New Zealand is supported by the New Zealand Government in Waitemata, Counties Manukau, Mid Central and Bay of Plenty, enabling community organisations to offer parenting support to families and whānau. Find out more at:
The Age
23-06-2025
- General
- The Age
Why waiting for the ‘right time' to divorce may not be a good idea
We should stay together for the kids The Australian Institute of Family Studies reports that while 82 per cent of children aged under a year live in 'intact' families, this figure drops to 64 per cent for 14-year-olds. Divorce is most common for families with middle primary school-age children, at eight to 10 years old. This means that in any Australian classroom, up to half of students may be experiencing separation or divorce at home. 'We know children do best in low-conflict homes where parents are happy and content,' says Carol Markie-Dadds, international country director with parenting program Triple P. 'The key determinant of how children fare is how well parents manage the transition to separation and divorce, rather than when it happens.' Children's understanding of divorce will depend on their age, but that doesn't mean they'll cope better when they're older. Loading 'Regardless of when it happens, have age-appropriate, open and honest conversations that let children know that the separation is not their fault, both parents love and care for them, and that your family is resilient and will bounce back,' Markie-Dadds says. I can't afford to get divorced With lawyers charging upwards of $350 an hour and barristers more than $1500 a day, divorce in Australia can be expensive. A 'standard' divorce is estimated to cost between $10,000 and $20,000. According to Money Magazine, if your matter ends up in court, the average cost is between $50,000 and $100,000 (and it can take up to three years). 'This is a worry we hear often,' Russell says. 'The fear is real, but often inflated by media portrayals of divorce as an expensive, combative legal battle. The truth is, it doesn't have to be that way, and there are plenty of professionals who are committed to reducing the stress and expense of this process.' Markie-Dadds says: 'Financial worries are a common concern but shouldn't be the sole reason to remain together.' I want to wait for financial reasons When actors Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise married in 2012, their prenuptial agreement ensured she would receive $US3 million for every year of marriage, up to a maximum of $US33 million. If their marriage had lasted 11 years or more, the prenup would have been off the table, and Holmes would have been entitled to half of Cruise's assets – estimated today at US$600 million ($932 million). Holmes called time after five years. 'It really depends on the individual circumstances,' Russell says. 'For some, delaying separation might seem financially strategic, if you're waiting for superannuation to stabilise or for property values to shift, for example. 'But I always caution against staying stuck in limbo. Life doesn't wait. Redundancies, new relationships, children or health issues can shift the landscape quickly and add complexity to any future agreement.' My family will freak out It's easy to assume that your family will have your back when it comes to a divorce. But sometimes that's not the case. In certain dynamics or perhaps for cultural reasons, immediate family members – parents, siblings – might struggle to support someone's decision to leave. 'Family and friends often have strong opinions about your process, but ultimately, this is your life,' Russell says. 'We encourage people to manage these conversations by 'setting the reaction'. That means calmly communicating your decision and setting clear boundaries around what kind of support you need.' Divorcees may experience family opinions that splits are 'not fair' on the children, especially where older family members have fixed ideas on the traditional family unit. 'The most important thing is that your child feels loved and safe and is shielded from conflict,' Markie-Dadds says. I feel bad because someone is sick There's nothing like illness to bring clarity to a relationship. When Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane was diagnosed with a form of MND earlier this year, his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, dismissed the divorce petition she had lodged in 2018. It doesn't have to be a spouse's health issues that affect a decision; any illness in an ex-partner's family is typically a reason to rally together.
Sydney Morning Herald
23-06-2025
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why waiting for the ‘right time' to divorce may not be a good idea
We should stay together for the kids The Australian Institute of Family Studies reports that while 82 per cent of children aged under a year live in 'intact' families, this figure drops to 64 per cent for 14-year-olds. Divorce is most common for families with middle primary school-age children, at eight to 10 years old. This means that in any Australian classroom, up to half of students may be experiencing separation or divorce at home. 'We know children do best in low-conflict homes where parents are happy and content,' says Carol Markie-Dadds, international country director with parenting program Triple P. 'The key determinant of how children fare is how well parents manage the transition to separation and divorce, rather than when it happens.' Children's understanding of divorce will depend on their age, but that doesn't mean they'll cope better when they're older. Loading 'Regardless of when it happens, have age-appropriate, open and honest conversations that let children know that the separation is not their fault, both parents love and care for them, and that your family is resilient and will bounce back,' Markie-Dadds says. I can't afford to get divorced With lawyers charging upwards of $350 an hour and barristers more than $1500 a day, divorce in Australia can be expensive. A 'standard' divorce is estimated to cost between $10,000 and $20,000. According to Money Magazine, if your matter ends up in court, the average cost is between $50,000 and $100,000 (and it can take up to three years). 'This is a worry we hear often,' Russell says. 'The fear is real, but often inflated by media portrayals of divorce as an expensive, combative legal battle. The truth is, it doesn't have to be that way, and there are plenty of professionals who are committed to reducing the stress and expense of this process.' Markie-Dadds says: 'Financial worries are a common concern but shouldn't be the sole reason to remain together.' I want to wait for financial reasons When actors Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise married in 2012, their prenuptial agreement ensured she would receive $US3 million for every year of marriage, up to a maximum of $US33 million. If their marriage had lasted 11 years or more, the prenup would have been off the table, and Holmes would have been entitled to half of Cruise's assets – estimated today at US$600 million ($932 million). Holmes called time after five years. 'It really depends on the individual circumstances,' Russell says. 'For some, delaying separation might seem financially strategic, if you're waiting for superannuation to stabilise or for property values to shift, for example. 'But I always caution against staying stuck in limbo. Life doesn't wait. Redundancies, new relationships, children or health issues can shift the landscape quickly and add complexity to any future agreement.' My family will freak out It's easy to assume that your family will have your back when it comes to a divorce. But sometimes that's not the case. In certain dynamics or perhaps for cultural reasons, immediate family members – parents, siblings – might struggle to support someone's decision to leave. 'Family and friends often have strong opinions about your process, but ultimately, this is your life,' Russell says. 'We encourage people to manage these conversations by 'setting the reaction'. That means calmly communicating your decision and setting clear boundaries around what kind of support you need.' Divorcees may experience family opinions that splits are 'not fair' on the children, especially where older family members have fixed ideas on the traditional family unit. 'The most important thing is that your child feels loved and safe and is shielded from conflict,' Markie-Dadds says. I feel bad because someone is sick There's nothing like illness to bring clarity to a relationship. When Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane was diagnosed with a form of MND earlier this year, his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, dismissed the divorce petition she had lodged in 2018. It doesn't have to be a spouse's health issues that affect a decision; any illness in an ex-partner's family is typically a reason to rally together.
Scoop
09-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Men's Health Week: Supporting Kiwi Dads For Strong Family Futures
Press Release – Triple P Triple P Founder and Psychologist Professor Matt Sanders said that in New Zealand, males are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than females yet are the least likely to seek help. This New Zealand Men's Health Week (9 to 15 June), global parenting advocates and Triple P parents are urging dads, stepdads, grandfathers, father figures, and all parents to take a moment to focus on their mental health and wellbeing – not just for themselves, but for the whole whānau. Triple P Founder and Psychologist Professor Matt Sanders said that in New Zealand, males are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than females yet are the least likely to seek help. 'One in eight men will experience severe depression in their lifetime. So Men's Health Week is a timely reminder to check in with yourself, and those around you.' 'While parents may find it challenging to ask for or access help, it's important to recognise that by looking after yourself as a parent, you're putting yourself in a better position to be calmer, better connected, and more confident in your ability to positively parent positively impacting on your child's health and wellbeing as well,' he said. Triple P is encouraging men to reach out to a mate or their go-to online community to ease the stress. 'No matter what stage of the parenting journey you're at, or the make-up of your family, you're not alone, and you don't have to bear the load in silence,' said Sanders. 'Creating a community of support among parents and carers can help reduce isolation and build stronger families.' 'By being open about your struggles and accessing support, parents and carers can create a positive and loving home environment that strengthens children's emotional resilience and gives them the best start in life,' Professor Sanders said. Triple P parenting tips to help build connection and care for yourself and your family: Check-in with yourself. Parents often put pressure on themselves to 'hold it all together'. Acknowledge any stress or low moods and don't ignore warning signs. Small changes, like making some regular time for yourself, staying active, or connecting with friends, can help prevent stress from building up. Talk it out. Whether it's with a friend, a loved one, Lifeline, or a health professional, sharing what's going on in your life is a positive way to manage stress. Make time for connection. Small moments of time connecting with your family each day can have a huge impact. When your kids want to share something with you, whether it's a story, a problem, or something they're just curious or excited about, tuning in and really listening sends the message that they're loved and important. Model healthy habits. Model the kind of positive health and wellbeing behaviours you want to see in your kids. This includes having a balanced, healthy lifestyle with plenty of sleep, physical activity, healthy food and a positive approach to mental health. Thanks to government funding, Triple P programmes are delivered to families across four regions in New Zealand through a Ministry of Health initiative. Feedback from families that have used Triple P's online programmes is overwhelming positive – with parents and caregivers expressing that they feel calmer, more confident, and are better supported in understanding their children's needs. Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Programme to parents and carers of children in New Zealand is supported by the New Zealand Government in Waitemata, Counties Manukau, Mid Central and Bay of Plenty, enabling community organisations to offer parenting support to families and whānau. Find out more at:
