Giving teens top tips on coping
Ex Mount Scopus students provide mental health advice to students on how to cope during lockdowns.
AS friends David Berlinski and Ben Scholl took off for one of their weekly runs along the streets of Armadale, Berlinski, a psychologist, began handballing advice and tips on how to cope with lockdowns.
They discussed the struggle teenagers must be going through being stuck at home for weeks on end during the pandemic.
Understanding that psychologists had incredibly long waiting lists, the pair decided to teach students to combat their negative thoughts and feelings.
“We asked ourselves why do we wait until someone sees a psychologist to teach them the tools to deal with difficult situations? Why don’t we give these tools to high school students in a relatable way before they encounter adversity?” said Scholl.
Toolbox started as a response to these questions. Creating a program that provides psychological tools that are relatable to teens, including ways to fight off unhelpful thinking styles, helping to build self-worth and regulating emotions, the team have been able to offer self help to thousands of students at more than 10 schools.
“We wanted the tools to be relevant to real life – things they could use when someone reads their message on Snapchat but doesn’t respond, or when someone gives you a funny look and you assume they don’t like you,” said Scholl.
Berlinski added: “We aim to speak students’ language and connect them with all the amazing tools psychology has to offer, using analogies and metaphors they can connect with. The response has been overwhelming.”
For more information, visit toolboxeducation.com
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