"Teenage gatherings provide important opportunities for young people to mix and gain experiences in social situations. However, it is possible for the best young person to get carried away by their peers and the euphoria of the moment."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Resilience is the capacity to face, overcome, be strengthened and transformed by adversity. Never before, have parents needed the skills, the knowledge and the strategies to build resilience in their children as much as they do now."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“If you swear at someone, or about someone, you are actually committing an act of verbal violence. You transgress the usual rules of social interaction, impinging upon someone's self-image and their sense of dignity."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“As human beings, our brains haven’t evolved fast enough to adapt to the digital world that we now live in. This means that the overload of messages that we receive through ever-present media platforms often results in stress, anxiety, and overwhelm."

Dr Emma Woodward

“Vaping is quickly becoming an epidemic due to the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. This trendy, but risk-taking activity, is causing significant peer pressure and there is mounting evidence that long-term repeated use of e-cigarettes will cause lung injury and respiratory symptoms."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Consent must be mutual and freely given. An informed decision made without pressure, guilt or threats. There must a clear understanding of what is about to happen. Without consent, sexual activity is an offence and against the law, and it must be given every single time."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“The transition from primary to secondary school is a significant time of change. It comes with a number of mixed feelings. So much is changing and they’re about to start a whole new set of subjects, meet new people, create new friendships and take on new challenges."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“A formula in dealing with adolescents is force equals resistance. Sometimes it just isn’t possible to stop them doing whatever it is they want to do. Regardless of everything, all you want is for them to come home safe, so start the conversation today!"

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“The Coronavirus has turned our lives upside down and asked us all to navigate a ton of uncertainty about what happens next. These changes are confronting, creating a perfect storm for a rise in anxiety, depression and substance abuse problems amongst young people."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Some young people remain in denial as to the seriousness of the situation, but the truth is, Coronavirus continues to present a risk to the whole community. There’s a concern that many young people think it is business as usual."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Research shows there are specific risk factors that increase the likelihood of teenagers developing a mental health problem. Some are set in stone, and others are modifiable. It can impact their ability to function and perform normal activities."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Whilst most children are resilient and seem to be demonstrating a remarkable capacity to manage this challenging time, others are not faring as well. This makes it really important for parents to be vigilant for any signs of distress."

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Disappointment is a normal, though difficult, part of growing up and can be a tricky emotion to deal with at any age. How your children learn to respond to disappointment will determine its impact on their future achievement and happiness.”

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Our young people will take their lead from us. We need to let them know that we are taking the coronavirus seriously, but we are not panicking. This is not downplaying what is happening, it is just context.”

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

“Parents shouldn’t avoid talking about the coronavirus. Not talking about something can actually make young people worry more. Take the opportunity to convey the facts and set the emotional tone. Help your children feel informed and reassured.”

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg