New Friendship Bubbles Allows Kids To Visit Friends

"Young people need social contact"


Article heading image for New Friendship Bubbles Allows Kids To Visit Friends

A kids ‘friends bubble’ was introduced on Tuesday morning, allowing three children under the age of 18 to meet up.

State cabinet has approved the new friend's bubble rule, so long as they live within 5kms or in the same LGA, and all supervising parents must be fully vaccinated.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said it was a reward for parents and children for weeks of lockdown and homeschooling.

NSW allows kids to visit friends with new friendship bubble

Director of the Kidman Centre at UTS Dr. Rachael Murrihy said there has been a large number of kids struggling during lockdown.

“We’ve been very concerned at what we’ve been seeing with the mental health of our young people, the rates of presentation to the emergency departments with suicidal thoughts and self-harm has escalated significantly, so we’re very happy to hear this announcement.”

Dr. Murrihy said that kids being able to interact with one another is crucial for their development.

“Young people need social contact, even more so than adults, and socialising is an important training ground for adulthood. So they’re in a critical developmental period right now where they need other kids to make them feel understand and learn how to interact in the world.”

It comes as New South Wales is now 53 percent fully vaccinated while parts of Sydney are up to 90% fully vaccinated including Edmondson Park and Schofields.

Kids helpline services are available on 1800 55 1800 and at kidshelpline.com.au.

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21 September 2021

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