Vol.18, no.2

Sprod, T. 1999, Philosophy, young people and well-being. Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2, June pp. 12-16.

Since antiquity it has been held that philosophy is a route to well-being, now modern researchers are claiming that philosophy for children can have an impact on both personal and environmental factors that lead to depression, and in some cases, suicide. However, judging by the curricula of Australian schools, these claims are not widely believed at present. In this article, Tim Sprod, makes a case that philosophising at school would assist in the building of persons who see life as worth living. (Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2 pp.12-16.)
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Malone, K. 1999, Growing up in cities as a model of participatory planning and 'place-making' with young people. Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2, June pp.17-23.

Karen Malone directed a UNESCO project that found that the media's creation of a 'virtual' urban environment - drug-ridden and violent - influenced young people's relationships with their own neighbourhood as much if not more than their neighbourhood's physical and social aspects. The project, designed to involve young people in the planning and creation of their urban environment, also found that the media creation of young people as a problematic group contributed to the reluctance of planners to allow young people to participate authentically in the planning of relevant public and private spaces. (Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2 pp.17-23.)
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Patterson, I. and Pegg, S. 1999, Nothing to do: The relationship between 'leisure boredom' and alcohol and drug addiction: Is there a link to youth suicide in rural Australia? Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2, pp.24-29.

This review of recent research in regard to young adults and adolescents suggests that there may be a causal link between leisure boredom and high-risk behaviours such as substance abuse as well as various forms of mental distress. Adolescents and young adults who perceive their leisure to be unsatisfying, or in some way incomplete, may be at greater risk of engaging patterns of leisure behaviour which are detrimental to their physical and/or psychological well-being. This paper and Tim Sprod's paper demonstrate the need to consider a diversity of factors which may be associated with youth suicide. (Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2 pp.24-29.)
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Holland, G. 1999, Mandatory reporting of abuse: The influence of legislation on doctors' reporting behaviour. Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2, June pp.30-36.

Will Victoria's mandatory reporting legislation improve the situation for abused children? A recent survey indicates that doctors are confused about their rights and obligations under the legislation, and that this is likely to limit the success of the law. Grant Holland concludes that the introduction of such legislation requires careful planning and should be accompanied by appropriate training for practitioners. (Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2 pp.30-36.)
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Stuart, G. 1999, Conflict resolution and non-violence workshops with young people. Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2, pp.37-41.

Based on extensive experience in the Hunter Valley region, Graeme Stuart outlines a model of successful practice for running conflict resolution and non-violence workshops with young people in schools or youth services. The paper discusses the model in terms of project experience and the translation of the model into practice. (Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2 pp.37-41.)
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Mapstone, R. 1999, Access, retention and participation: A model of best practice.
Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2, pp.42-47.

Alienated students in Perth are being encouraged to stay at school by an innovative program designed to provide students with a non-threatening, caring and supportive learning environment, and by developing their sense of belonging and encompassing their total well-being. The program offers direct support by facilitating off-campus intervention programs, by providing outreach and family interventions and by offering consultative support. (Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2 pp.42-47.)
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