headspace Dubbo

05/12/2025

The government’s aim is to reduce risks linked to social media use at a young age — like pressure, harmful content, too much screen time, mental-health strain.

Putting the minimum age at 16 gives young people more time to grow emotionally, socially and digitally before getting full access.

For those working with youth (like you), this means there’s a chance to support them to learn how to use digital tools safely or use safer alternatives before jumping on big social platforms.

04/12/2025

Everyone’s different. Find support that’s right for your needs.

Anyone in Australia can call Medicare Mental Health for free mental health, social and emotional wellbeing support that is specific to your needs and goals.

Call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 for free and confidential mental health and wellbeing advice.

Find out more at https://bit.ly/s26-medicare-mental-health

You can call the phone service between 8:30am to 5:00pm weekdays (excl. public holidays). Medicare Mental Health is not a crisis service. If you or someone you care for is in need of immediate assistance you can contact the below 24/7 crisis support services:

Lifeline 📞 Call 13 11 14 (24/7) or Chat online at lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/ (24/7)
Kids Helpline 📞 Call 1800 55 1800 (24/7) or Chat online at kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling
13YARN 📞 Call 13 92 76 (24/7)

04/12/2025

04/12/2025

Supporting your young person this summer? We're here for you. 💚

The school holidays can bring changes and challenges for young people and their family, especially with the recent social media restrictions. If you're looking for ideas, support or someone to talk to, eheadspace is here to help.

Our free online and phone support service is available 7 days a week, from 3pm-10pm - even during the holidays. Our trained professionals can help you understand what your young person might be experiencing and offer practical strategies to support them.

You don't have to navigate this alone. We're here to help you be there for them 🌟

Find out more via the link below.
https://headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/connect-with-us/

04/12/2025

04/12/2025

03/12/2025

As of now, platforms required to restrict under-16 accounts include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, X, Twitch, Threads, and Kick.

Some apps won’t be affected messaging, gaming, education- or health-focused platforms are excluded. That means under-16s can still use services like WhatsApp, Discord, gaming services or education tools.

So, the change doesn’t cut off all online contact it mostly affects “social media” as defined under the new law.

03/12/2025

02/12/2025

Ever wondered what high blood sugar is and what it means for your health? Let’s break it down. 👇

Whether you're eating a biscuit, a sandwich or even fruit, it gets broken down in your digestive system and absorbed into the blood as glucose (a type of sugar).

Your body's cells need glucose as their main fuel to keep you moving and functioning.

After you eat, it's normal for your blood sugar levels to rise. That’s when insulin, a hormone made in your pancreas, steps in.

Insulin acts like a key, moving glucose from your blood into other parts of your body to use for energy. 🔑

If insulin isn’t working properly, or if your body becomes less responsive to it, too much sugar stays in your blood. This is known as insulin resistance. It can lead to your blood sugar levels rising too high. Over time, this increases your risk of long-term health issues, like type 2 diabetes.

Diet and lifestyle play a big role in helping insulin do its job. ❤️👇

Here are some things you can do for healthier blood sugar levels:
> maintain a healthy weight
> exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense movement daily)
> eat healthy foods most of the time (whole grains, legumes, fruit, vegetables, low GI carbs, lean proteins, healthy fats)
> manage stress (try meditation, journaling, yoga, breathing techniques).

While some type 2 diabetes risk factors can be managed or reduced, other factors, like family history, can be outside of your control.

ℹ️ Sources:
Health and Wellbeing Queensland | Diabetes Australia | Better Health Victoria

02/12/2025

02/12/2025

We’re building our 2026 Youth Reference Group at headspace Dubbo.

If you’re 14–25 and want to help shape youth programs, help plan events, and make sure young people in our area are heard, we want you with us.

No experience is needed. You’ll learn new skills, meet other young people, and gain real experience volunteering in youth and community services. Just bring your ideas and a bit of time each month.

Keen to join? Fill out the form: https://forms.office.com/r/JQzDFZuRZc and we will be in touch!

01/12/2025

From 10 December 2025, new rules mean people under 16 in Australia won’t be allowed to keep or create accounts on many major social-media platforms.

The change comes from a law that aims to protect younger people’s wellbeing by delaying social media access until they’re older.

If you’re under 16 or know someone who is some familiar apps might stop working or you might be asked to leave the platform.