Online communities and health organisations can offer important connections for children and teenagers living with diabetes. Here’s a list of support networks to check out.
With the social media ban coming into effect today, there’s been a lot of talk around how children and teens living with health conditions, including diabetes, will find their community.
The good news is that, alongside the big social media platforms, there are many trusted places you can find support and information, including helplines, face-to-face programs and online resources.
The Diabetes WA Helpline
Anyone living in Western Australia can talk to our team of diabetes educators and other health professionals for free on the Diabetes WA Helpline on 1300 001 880.
You can also book a callback at a time suitable for you.
Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH)
The diabetes team at PCH will help you and your family manage your diabetes so you can lead a full and healthy life.
You can visit their website for information and resources, and you’ll also find contact details there for help when you need it.
Given that many children and teens with type 1 diabetes have access to a phone much earlier, PCH also recommends the Beacon cyber safety educational app that is designed to keep parents and carers up-to-date with trusted, tailored information, help keep kids safe online and limit screen time.
Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre
The Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre offers a wide range of support for teenagers, including diabetes education, camps and carers’ education, along with specialist psychologist services (in person and virtual) for people living with type 1 diabetes, including teens.
The centre offers a range of social events through the year for teens to connect with others living with type 1 diabetes, and they are currently building a digital resource space specifically for teens to ensure they have access to information and education to support their growth and confidence in their management of type 1 diabetes.
The T1D Empower program connects teens with a mentor who also lives with type 1 diabetes. Participants meet or chat on the phone once a week to talk about topics that matter to them over 8-12 weeks. This program is open to metro and regional WA and is offered on a rolling intake basis, so teens can sign up at any time.
Breakthrough T1D
Breakthrough T1D is on a mission to find cures and improve lives in the type 1 diabetes community. Formerly JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), it’s an excellent resource for news, research and information about diabetes. There is also a lot on the website for newly diagnosed teens.
NDSS resources
The NDSS has excellent online resources for kids and teenagers, including information for young people with diabetes and the Youth Zone.
Mental health support
Living with a health condition can be hard at any time, and for teenagers and young kids with diabetes it can feel like an extra responsibility when you’re already dealing with schoolwork, friends, parents and growing up.
Kids Helpline is a free 24/7 confidential and private counselling service, specifically for children and young people. You can call 1800 551 800 anytime and speak to someone.
Headspace provides free online and phone support for young people aged 12-25 and their families. Call 1800 650 890 or chat online.
13 Yarn provides free 24/7 free, culturally safe and confidential support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to talk about their worries without judgement – call 13 92 76.
Read more about the social media ban and why it has been introduced on the Kids Helpline website.
Or take part in a research study that will track the impact of the social media ban and needs teenage participants.
Is a teen in your life living with diabetes affected by the social media ban? Get in touch with us to share your thoughts at media@diabeteswa.com.au
