Latest thoughts

What motivates young people? It may not be what you expect!

The teenage years are such a wild ride of emotions and new experiences that maintaining motivation for the things that ‘matter’ can be an occasional (OK… frequent!) challenge for some. And what matters will be different for different people, of course.

Published on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025

Teens, AI and Mental Health: a field-guide for parents (2025)

I’m increasingly asked two questions at schools and when I’m chatting with parents: “Is AI bad for my teen?” and “What should I be doing about it?” After reviewing the evidence here’s a clear, parent-friendly guide.

Published on Friday, August 29th, 2025

REVIEW; Webinar on Risks and Benefits of Social Media on the Mental Health of Adolescents, with a Consultant Psychiatrist at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

I listened in to a webinar on this ever evolving topic and will summarise the five key take-aways for you here

Published on Wednesday, May 21st, 2025

Learning to look after their health… what should teens focus on?

A fascinating and slightly sobering survey was released recently, analysing current students’ health, and suggesting areas that might need a little more care or support. So what do I as a parent, and you, as parents, carers, teachers and in other vital roles working with teens, need to know?

Published on Saturday, May 17th, 2025

“You’re not my friend anymore!” How can we reduce the incidence and (sometimes devastating) impact of social ostracism?

“You’re not my friend anymore!” is possibly one of the most stressful things a person can hear - whether they are in the playground aged 5 or a middle-aged adult.

Published on Wednesday, November 13th, 2024

Our kids are more anxious… but are smartphones and social media the main culprits?

With a lot of focus recently on smartphones, social media and mental health (again!) I thought I would read the latest articles and research and see where we are with it all.

Published on Saturday, August 17th, 2024