Coronavirus Information
Government information and updates
Get the latest updates on coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Australian Government Department of Health at the Department of Health website.
Latest coronavirus updates from the Tasmanian Department of Education.
Support for families
A survival guide for staying at home
This newsletter from The Conversation has great tips for staying positive during this period for the majority of us who are staying at home.
Head to Health – COVID-19
Support, information and resources from the Australian Government Department of Health, including about mental health, how to talk to kids, and protecting the elderly.
Protecting children during the COVID-19 outbreak
End Violence Against Children – resources to protect children, protect yourself, and stay informed of the latest information on COVID-19
Supporting children during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Resources from Emerging Minds, the Parenting Research Centre (Raising Children Network) and UNICEF.
PHYSICAL ACtivity
Help keep kids busy with Andrew the Art Teacher and Cosmic Kids Yoga on Youtube.
For adults there’s PE with Joe and Yoga with Adriene.
Check out the College of Educational and Development Psychologists’ tip sheet for parents.
Helplines and Support for kids
Are you feeling worried or anxious about coronavirus? Speak with your family or carers, friends, a teacher or someone else you trust. There are also services that can give support and guidance to children and young people who are having difficult feelings. Please see details below.
HeadSpace
Website: https://headspace.org.au/
Launceston Phone: (03) 6335 3100
Devonport Phone: (03) 6424 2144
HobartPhone: (03) 6231 2927
Kids Helpline
Website: https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens
Phone: 1800 551 800
Youth Beyond Blue
Website: https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/
Phone: 1300 224 636
ABC Radio questions and answers on coronavirus
for young people
On 24 March 2020, the Commissioner for Children and Young People was joined by Jeremy Rockliff – the Deputy Premier of Tasmania and Minister for Education and Dr Scott McKeown, the Deputy Director of Public Health to answer your questions about coronavirus.
You can listen to the hour-long show on ABC Hobart Drive here.
Educational resources
during the Coronavirus
Be You (Beyond Blue)
Supporting early learning communities
Supporting educators, children, and young people
Early childhood-focussed COVID-19 Resources
Materials in a number of languages; includes a range of resources for parents, early childhood workers and professions in supporting children and talking to children about COVID 19. Some daily play ideas for the early years in limited space, and some support ideas for homeschooling for older children, with a section also for children with a disability
Don’t walk your cat and other advice for a worried kid
A great e-book with beautiful illustrations for any child or young person anxious about coronavirus wanting some coping strategies and tips.
Explanation of coronavirus for kids
Video explaining coronavirus for kids
