The Children Are Our Future: How To Best Support The Next Generation’s Mental Health
With conversations surrounding mental health, wellbeing, inclusion and gender equality rapidly on the rise, Bazaar’s Nina Catt sat down with Aakanksha Tangri, the founder of online support and advice platform, Re:Set, to discuss ways to navigate uncharted waters and educate the next generation
What inspired you to launch Re:Set?
As an Indo-Canadian, I’ve seen how the stigma around mental health and disabilities in the South Asian community often prevents young people from seeking help, and that’s where the idea of Re:Set was born. We are one of the few platforms in the world that create original daily content. This comes from our acknowledgement of the urgent need to provide resources and credible information about mental health and inclusion.
Aakanksha Tangri
How have these conversations evolved in the Middle East of late, particularly during the past year when the effects of COVID-19 have increased mental-health problems?
There has certainly been a lot more awareness and discourse around mental health recently. We’ve found in our reporting that many people are either seeking professional help or finding new ways to take care of their wellbeing.
What support is available in this region?
More organisations, schools and governments are now providing mental-health support. We’ve also seen mental-health clinics offer free support groups or subsidised therapy which has been wonderful because therapy is often unaffordable to many, and there has been an urgent need for professional services over the past year.
What advice do you have for parents navigating the uncharted waters of an unhappy child?
This can be a very tricky situation as parents will often feel guilty and think the fault lies with them. You have to recognise that you’re doing the best you can in arduous circumstances. Have a conversation with your child and see what’s bothering them. It’s also a good idea to reach out to your child’s teachers to see if they’ve noticed anything, or if there’s been a particular incident at school. Get all caregivers on board and see how you can collectively tackle the issue. Be transparent as this will allow everyone to find solutions and keep an eye on any changes in behaviour. Look at taking your child to a mental-health professional or if the school has a counsellor, set up an appointment with them. Be mindful to not overwhelm the child or dismiss their concerns. Let them know you’re there for them and you will navigate the issue together.
How can parents, teachers and mentors give children the tools to maintain a heathy mind and body?
Normalise having honest conversations around mental health and let them recognise the different emotions people go through. Teach them to understand the link between our mental and physical wellbeing. You can plan activities together to instil self-care early on such as journaling together as a class, or incorporating meditation and breathing exercises into your at-home routine.
What are the topics we should be having conversations with children about that may have formerly been off-limits?
I think it’s important to have age-appropriate conversations with children about consent, safe and unsafe touch, racism, gender equality, and mental health. Normalising conversations around these topics is the only way to eradicate the stigma that surrounds them, and you will play your part in raising a more wholesome and empathetic generation.
How should these conversations be approached?
My advice would be to tackle it in a way that is comfortable for you and your child and when you feel the time is apt. Perhaps over an activity to ease any anxiety from your side and make it seem more casual and conversational. If your child responds best to a focused one-on-one discussion then that approach might be preferable. Prepare for the conversation beforehand, read up on the subject, reach out to a professional if needed, and you can even make notes to ensure you’re on-track during the conversation.
How do online platforms impact the mental wellbeing of today’s youth?Do you feel there are pros and cons for children having so much digital access?
Social media is a double-edged sword for children and adults alike. In the age of social distancing, it has allowed children to feel connected, less alone and keep in touch with their friends, but we know social media can also have a negative impact on a child’s wellbeing, ranging from challenges in mental health and self-esteem to body-image issues and cyberbullying. The latter has been on the rise since COVID-19, as children spend more time online. It’s imperative parents and educators are mindful of that, and address the issue. We have a great article on how parents can address cyberbullying at Resetyoureveryday.com.
What’s your advice for parents when it comes to allowing and monitoring social-media use?
Social media is here to stay and as a parent, you have to decide when, and for how long you want to allow your child access to the different platforms. If your child is on social media, inform them about the risks of cyberbullying and cyber safety, that they shouldn’t speak to strangers, and should not post identifiable information such as home addresses or school names online. They should have a private account and let you know of any untoward incidents. Keep an eye on their social media accounts and activity so you are aware of what’s happening in their virtual life.
Who is your role model for young children when it comes to inclusivity, compassion and kindness?
Dr Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics, is an absolute champion of these qualities (@TimShriver on Twitter). Through the Special Olympics and his own work, he has furthered the conversation and brought change around disabilities and made empathy and inclusion the norm. Dr Shriver has also been a vocal advocate for educators and parents. He makes people feel seen with equal parts empathy, kindness and humour. In my own journey as an entrepreneur, he has offered his unwavering support and his insights on several occasions.
What are your hopes and dreams for the next generation?
I hope boys grow up recognising gender equality as the only way forward and that young girls see themselves in every sphere of society whether that’s having many seats at the table, occupying the highest echelons of society, or on magazine covers embracing the imperfections that make us human. And not feeling guilty about their ambitions. I hope the next generation grows up in a world where empathy and inclusion are instilled in their everyday lives and it’s their normal.
We couldn’t agree more. Lastly, what is your motto for keeping a healthy mind and an open heart?
To avoid comparisons, to focus on your own journey, to savour the small moments and to do what works best for you – physically and mentally.
Image courtesy of Unsplash/@richienolan
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s Junior S/S 2021 issue.
