SCHOOL EDITION 29 MAY 2024 - Flipbook - Page 15
15
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22 2020
With the loss of young lives prominent in the news and
suicide rates in the north the highest in the UK, parents
need to be supportive of children’s mental health, be
aware of the help available and look after ourselves too,
writes Leona O’Neill
We need to be open with
kids about mental health
n Thanks to the
internet and social
media, children and
young people today
can be bullied 24/7
What’s On
Jacqueline McGonigle of
whatsonni.com shares
her pick of family events
across the north this week
Show songs to
aid organ fund
DOWN
This Friday, January 17, The Belfast
Operatic Company presents Songs From
The Shows at St Philip and St James
Church, Holywood. Tickets are £12 and
available from the Parish Office. Proceeds
in aid of the church organ fund.
ANTRIM
Rock ’n’ Roll Years is back! After last
year’s smash hit tour this wonderful
nostalgic musical hits the road again and
will be at the Island Arts Centre Lisburn
this Saturday January 18. Journey through
the musical decades of the 50s and 60s
paying homage to the lives and music of
the stars of the era.
ARMAGH
This Saturday evening join the Market
Place Theatre on a journey through the
music from The Beatles. A nine-piece
band of multi-instrumentalists will
recreate all the classic Beatles hits as
well as some hidden gems that showcase
The Beatles’ mastery of songwriting.
DERRY
Arbutus at the Crannagh, Coleraine will
host their Wedding Show on Sunday from
2pm to 5pm. You will be welcomed with
Champagne and canopes on arrival. View
the marquee, talk with select wedding
exhibitors, take in two catwalk shows and
meet the wedding team at the Crannagh.
Admission is free.
N
ORTHERN Ireland unfortunately has
the highest suicide rate in the UK and
tragically in the past three weeks, we
have seen more families in Belfast and
Derry mourn the loss of young lives.
In the media we are always careful in how we
report, and even if we report, on such issues.
As journalists we are very aware of how
certain images or words can impact on
vulnerable people and how articles about
suicide can carry so much influence,
particularly with those who are feeling low
themselves.
It also our responsibility to inform readers on
how to help those of whom they love who are
in the darkest of places, including our young
people.
Leading organisation Children in Northern
Ireland (CiNI) is reminding parents that it is
on-hand for advice, support and guidance if
they have any concerns about their child’s
mental health.
One in five children will experience a mental
health problem by the time they enter
secondary school and research has shown
that half of mental health problems suffered
by adults are established by the age of 14.
Parentline NI, which is a helpline for parents
and carers run by CiNI, has stressed the
importance of talking to children about
mental health to help take the stigma out of
something that affects so many people, break
down stereotypes and help aid recovery.
Ellen Finlay, policy officer at CiNI said:
“Children today are under a lot more
pressures and expectations. Growing up
about 10 years ago, we didn’t have the
constant connection that social media gives
us, so if you were being bullied at school,
you could go home and get some respite.
Unfortunately, children and young people
today can be bullied 24/7.
“Our research into the amount of time a child
spends online highlighted that 77 per cent
of parents found it difficult to control the
amount of screen time.
The research also highlighted that parents
are extremely concerned about the
negative impact upon their child’s mental
and physical health, wellbeing and social
interaction.”
Parents can promote good mental health in
their children by talking to them and creating
a safe environment at home. They can also
learn to spot the early signs of mental health
problems and know where to go to get the
help that is needed.
Parentline NI has put together some simple
tips on how parents can help promote good
mental health
Helping your child develop strong and caring
relationships with family and friends can
nurture their mental health, so spend quality
time with them on a regular basis.
Let your children learn by example. If a
problem arises in your household, talk to
Be careful about discussing serious family issues in
front of your child – children often take these issues on
themselves and worry about them
your child about how you are going to solve
the issue. This helps show them how to solve
their own problems should they arise.
Help build your child’s self-esteem by showing
them lots of love and acceptance.
Praise them when they do well and recognise
when they are trying their best. Show an
interest in their day, their interests and ask
lots of open-ended questions.
Listen and respect their feelings. It is perfectly
fine for children to feel sad and angry just as
us adults do from time to time. Encourage
your child to talk about how they feel. Keep
communication open and flowing by asking
questions. If they don’t feel comfortable
talking to you, help them find someone who
they would be happy to talk to.
Ensure you know about your child’s use of
social media/internet use and the amount of
time they are spending online.
Agree a time-limit with your child so they
do get some time away from their phones or
consoles. Also, be aware of who they may be
talking to online.
Be careful about discussing serious family
issues in front of your child – children often
take these issues on themselves and worry
about them.
Be your child’s role model by looking after
your own mental health. Childhood can be
difficult to negotiate, as parents/carers but
Parentline NI is there for all parents and
carers.
For advice, support or guidance you can
call Parentline NI today Freephone
0808 8020 400 or web chat at www.ci-ni.org.uk.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing
distress or despair Lifeline can help – call
0808 808 8000. You will receive immediate
help on the phone.
FERMANAGH
Lakeland Players present Snow White
at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen,
Thursday to Saturday. Glamorous killer
Queen Caligula, so used to being called
the fairest in the land by the spirit of the
mirror Speak True, discovers a rival for
the title in the shape of her step-daughter
Snow White. Book early.
TYRONE
This Friday evening celebrate Burns
Night with a Supper and Ceilidh at the
Royal Hotel in Cookstown. Tickets are
£22 and include a three-course meal,
whisky toast, raffle and a superb line up
of entertainment. Dress code ‘A touch of
tartan’.
BEFAST
Planning your summer getaway? Don’t
miss this weekend’s Holiday World Show,
now in its 28th year. This is the biggest
and most influential holiday showcase – a
three-day travel fest to be enjoyed by tens
of thousands of visitors. January 17-19.
n For further details on these events
and to add your events free go to
whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @
whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/
www.whatsonni for news, competitions
and what’s on near you.
n A nine-piece band of musicians will
recreate The Beatles’ classics at the Market
Place Theatre on Saturday