Medibank has announced its role as the official health partner of 36 Months, reinforcing its dedication to enhancing mental health in Australia.
36 Months is a social change initiative advocating for the government to implement social media citizenship, pushing to raise the minimum age for teenagers to join social media platforms with addictive features from 13 to 16 years old—representing a delay of 36 months.
Dr. Andrew Wilson, Medibank’s Chief Medical Officer and a practicing psychiatrist, emphasized the shared mission between Medibank and 36 Months to improve the lives of Australians.
“At Medibank, our goal is to enhance the health and wellbeing of Australians, enabling them to lead higher-quality lives,” Dr. Wilson stated.
“As a health company we see the human cost of the escalating mental health crisis in Australia, and we want to play a meaningful part of the solution to help improve the future for our kids.“
“Mental illness is a growing concern in our country, and there’s no simple solution. We know that social media can be harmful to teenagers, particularly those aged 13 to 16, significantly impacting their mental health,” said Dr. Andrew Wilson.
Research indicates that excessive social media use rewires young brains during a critical developmental period, contributing to rising rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness among teenagers.
“Mental health is crucial for all aspects of life. Individuals with mental health issues, like depression, face a higher risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. By supporting younger teenagers’ mental health and reducing the incidence of mental illness, we can significantly enhance the wellbeing of the next generation of Australians,” Dr. Wilson added.
He acknowledged that while some young people seek mental health support through social media, it’s important to address the associated harms. “As a health company, we have a vital role in improving access to mental health support, especially in regional and rural areas where services are limited. Medibank offers 24/7 mental health support through our helpline and online chat service, and we’re exploring further ways to assist more Australians.”
Rob Galluzzo, co-founder of 36 Months and CEO of FINCH, expressed gratitude for Medibank’s involvement: “We’re honored to have Medibank’s expertise in the 36 Months campaign. Adolescents often struggle with the complexities of digital interactions, which can lead to long-term mental health challenges. It’s essential for parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and the corporate community to unite in shaping policy and culture to support teens effectively, ensuring they grow into thriving adults. Access to mental health support is a key part of this effort.”
Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli, co-founder of 36 Months and radio presenter on NOVA 96.9, added, “Today’s teens face unique challenges regarding their mental health, particularly in a phone-centric world. Our partnership with Medibank aims to equip young people with the tools and support they need to remain resilient and confident. This isn’t just a campaign; it’s a movement to transform our approach to mental health for future generations. I’m excited about the positive change we can create together.”
As part of their collaboration, Medibank and 36 Months will develop various health and wellbeing support services to assist young Australians and their parents or guardians in navigating mental health challenges.
