Digital service firm APD has worked closely with online youth mental health organisation ReachOut Australia to develop a digital platform designed specifically to fill the gap in online services for parents of teenagers, who are looking for advice on issues such as bullying, sexuality and isolation.
Called ‘ReachOut Parents’, the platform is a free online service offering practical support for parents wherever and whenever they need it, specifically for young people aged 12-18.
“We were able to work with parents and teens to develop a platform that specifically answers their needs, making sure that information is useful and easy to find, and including all the ways that people want to be able to use the service,” said Stephen Smorgon, CEO of APD Australia. “To see this project come to fruition is immensely satisfying for our team.”
The ReachOut Parents platform also includes forums where parents can connect with each other, along with tools and support for all types of carers who support Australian teenagers.
Jonathan Nicholas, CEO of ReachOut Australia said a key feature of ReachOut Parents is the peer-to-peer forum where parents can connect with each other to share experiences in an anonymous, supportive space.
“Parenting teenagers is more complex than ever. This is the first generation of parents who’ve had to deal with issues like their kids’ social media use, cyber bullying and when their kids should get their first mobile phone,” he said.
APD has developed the ReachOut Parents platform to include video content, advice from child psychologists and pathways for further support services. The development was based on extensive research by ReachOut that identified how parents are using technology for seeking help, the issues they want help with, and how they want support and advice presented to them.
