Supporting child and adolescent wellbeing through play and prosocial behaviours

February, 2024

In this edition of ACSSO eNews, we turn our focus to the crucial role of play and prosocial behaviours in supporting the well-being and development of children and adolescents. In this issue, we are excited to share a series of resources and insights, primarily sourced from the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), which highlight the importance of engaging with local environments and communities for childhood wellbeing. The AIFS spotlight includes a range of topics:

The Positive Impact of Prosocial Behaviors on Mental Health in Children and Adolescents

Explore a webinar recording that delves into findings from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). This study examines the extent of Australian children's involvement in prosocial behaviours and its correlation with mental health symptoms, emphasising how childhood volunteering can mitigate poor mental health in adolescence.

Engaging Young Children (0-5 years) in Nature Play

A practice guide that offers insights into the concept of nature play for young children, the factors influencing their engagement in such activities, and strategies for parents to encourage this form of play.

Creating Environments to Support Young Children's Development

This article discusses the impact of physical environmental factors on early childhood development and the importance of designing local physical environments that foster this development.

Join us as we dive into these informative resources from AIFS, gaining valuable perspectives on nurturing our children's mental health and developmental needs through play and community engagement.

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