Let's Reconnect with Breanna Jayne Sada

How can Tech Support Young People's Mental Health, wearables, AI and digital tech tools with Dr Frank Iorfino

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:00:00 GMT

In this weeks episode of Let's Reconnect Breanna is joined by Frank Iorfino - Associate Professor at the University of Sydney- Brain and Mind Centre

Frank discusses how things like our phones, smartwatches, digital health platforms and AI can help support young people's mental health.

Frank is also one of the brains behind MIA - AI applied expertise for personalised mental health care and he talks about how AI will help fill the gaps within the Australian Mental Health system, how does the pro's weigh up against the risks of AI for mental health support.

We also discuss the new Age Verification Laws now in place in Australia for accessing explicit pornopgraphic content and what this means for young people but also a warning for parents that this isn't a free pass.

Frank has a Substack where you can sign up to called Minds and Machines and i encourage you to check out Minding Your Mind to help you find the right support

Let's Reconnect next episode. In the meantime, subscribe and follow our podcast and socials @breanna.jayne_psych @letsreconnect_pod. If you or your child would like to write in with a question or story, or you’d like to be a guest advocating for the needs of children and young people, please reach out.

Disclaimer:

The information in this podcast is general and not a substitute for individual clinical advice or treatment. While I am a registered psychologist, I am not providing personalised guidance here. Every child and family is different, and what’s discussed may not suit your situation.

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

School Readiness, Is my child ready for big school?

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 17:00:00 GMT

In this weeks episode of Let's Reconnect registered Psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada discusses what to consider when asking yourself is my child school ready? She encourages parents to consider beyond ABCs and 123s and start considering their child's; emotional regulation skills, social skills, communication skills, fine and gross motor skills and self care skills as true markers of whether their child is school ready.

Breanna gives examples about how you can develop these skills as you prepare your child for Kindergarten.

It's never to early to start preparing your child for big school. So whether your preparing for next year or your child has already started and you are concerned they might need some more support.

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does neurodiversity mean? With Holly Helprin from AIFS

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode of Let's Reconnect Breanna Jayne Sada is joined by Australian Institute of Family Studies Research Officer Holly Helprin to answer the questions what does neurodiversity mean? and what does neuro affirming mean?. We explore what research AIFS is doing in this space and what progress is still needed.

Supporting neurodivergent children and young people

-AIFS have created a set of short, accessible resources that aim to enhance readers’ basic neurodivergence literacy, laying the groundwork for further learning and promoting informed and affirming discussions about neurodiversity. They can be used by anyone involved in supporting neurodivergent children and young people, including practitioners supporting children and families as well as parents and carers.

Child Family Community Australia News

-Sign up to CFCA News - a fortnightly e-newsletter supporting practitioners working in the child and family services sector. Keep up to date with the latest and upcoming webinars, practice resources and sector-relevant research and events.

Neurodiversity-affirming practice (NAP) in community-based mental health guide (to be published shortly)

-AIFS have written a framework for family and community services to apply neurodiversity-affirming practice (NAP) to their work with all children, young people and families. This practice guide aims to support practitioners to work in a way that recognises, understands and respects diverse ways of thinking, learning, functioning, and experiencing the world.

Neurodiversity-affirming practice (NAP) in community-based mental health course (to be published shortly)

-AIFS designed this free, on demand course for practitioners who work with children, young people and families in community-based mental health settings. Whether you're new to NAP or want to deepen your understanding, this course will guide you through practical strategies, reflective activities and real-world examples to help you create a culture that values difference, reduces harm and empowers every child and family to thrive.

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talking about suicide & self harm safely with Dr Louise La Sala + What Psychology can tell us about Punch the Monkey

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 17:00:00 GMT

In this weeks episode of Let's Reconnect Breanna is joined by Dr Louise La Sala a Research Fellow at Orygen, the Centre for Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne. Louise’s work focuses on youth self-harm and suicide prevention, with a particular emphasis on how young people engage online on social media.

Louise and Breanna discuss how parents and professionals working with kids can support children and young people who may be mentally unwell themselves or who may be supporting a friend with suicidal thoughts or engaging in self harm. They discuss the Chatsafe guidelines which have been developed by Louise and her team at Orygen, which you can download yourself here. They also discuss Lousie's PHD research into how young peoples social media use impacts mental health and how young people are using AI for mental health support.

Orygen has resources for parents and carers who want to support their children and young people to have safe online conversations and they are available in 31 different languages which you can find here. You can also read up about their research into their resources here.

Breanna discusses how Punch the Monkey reminds her of a classic Psychological experiment from the 1950's and how Punch the monkey can remind us as parents what children really need from us.

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can sleepovers be safe, preventing child sexual abuse with Victoria from The Safe Kids Project

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 17:00:00 GMT

On this episode Breanna Jayne Sada is joined by Victoria Barendsen from The Safe Kids Project to discuss how to prevent Child Sexual Abuse. We discuss if it is possible for our children to have safe sleep overs and how teaching children about consent and their bodies works in combating child sexual abuse.

Please take a moment to follow the podcast, rate us and share this episode with a friend who has children and would be interested.

If you are in Australia and worried about yourself or someone else and would like to speak with someone about anything in this episode you can contact 1800 RESPECT

If you are in New Zealand and would like to speak to someone you can contact Safe to Talk

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dangers of online gaming, screens and Roblox with Dr Brad Marshall

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT

In this weeks Episode of Let's Reconnect Breana is joined by Dr Brad Marshall (AKA The Unplugged Psychologist) Dr Brad is recognised as one of Australia’s leading experts in excessive internet and screen use otherwise known as Internet Addiction or Gaming Disorder. As the Director of The Screen & Gaming Disorder Clinic; Australia’s first established specialty clinic, he is a well-respected presenter and speaker on the topic, frequenting schools, health, and corporate organisations around Australia.

He is the author of three best-selling international books. Brad also conducts research with world leading academics at Macquarie University and published Australia’s first ever clinical treatment trials for smartphone addiction and gaming disorder. Brad is an Adjunct Fellow at the School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University.

In this episode we discuss the dangers of screens and gaming what to look out for that may indicate problematic gaming or screen use. We discuss the social media age delays and how societal perceptions of screen use has change in recent years. We talk about Roblox and other gaming platforms predators are using to gain access to our children. We talk about how to make gaming safer for our children including the problem of relaying on parental controls and what has come out of recent research.

Send this to another parent who has a gaming console in their house or who is thinking about introducing one or if you know their child is on Roblox or Discord.

You can see Brad's website here

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Child is anxious about swimming lessons & neurodivergent friends

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT

In this weeks episode of Let's Reconnect Breanna answers some listener questions and discusses some exciting news including her now regular writing for Kiddipedia you can see her most recent article here about supporting a child who is anxious about going back to school- trying to minimise the risk of school refusal.

If you are enjoying the podcast please take a moment to rate, comment and share the podcast on whatever platform you listen and thank-you for your support!

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talking to our kids about porn, drugs, sex & puberty etc is so important

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT

On this weeks episode we are discussing why its so important to have uncomfortable conversations with our children. Our children have natural curiosities about lots of things including drugs and alcohol, relationships and all the things that make parents squirm. With exposure to these topics happening at younger and younger ages it has never been more important for parents to present themseleves as a safe calm adult to have these conversations with. Boys as young as 9 are being exposed to porn, children aged 11 and 12 have self reported that they have tried alcohol and drugs. Puberty especially for girls is happening at an increasingly younger age. If our children's natural curiosities are not being addresses and questions not being answered by their parents they will go elsewhere for these answers to their normal questions. In this episode im joined by a parent who recently had an uncomfortable conversation with their child and we discuss what it was how it went what preparation they did and why they felt it was important that the information came from them.

During the episode this parent speaks about a great book that I have linked here for you to look at (not sponsored) Michelle Mitchell's A Girl's Guide to Puberty that helped them have a helpful conversation with their child about puberty

We also discuss the new Chat GPT Health update that has been released

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Minisode - a Worried Parent Looks like an Angry Parent

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMT

In this weeks minisode we discuss that often a parents worry for their child is displayed as anger and how this can impact relationships with our children when we misrepresent our worry. We discuss that anger is actually a secondary emotion and when we deal and display the primary emotion we are less likely to progress to anger.

We also discuss the Netflix documentary The Evil Influencer the Jodi Hildebrant story - you can see the Guardians article on it here. I reflect on important learning we can all take away and some warnings about engaging the wrong therapist.

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teens have their say on the Social Media Ban 1 month on

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The Social Media Age limits came into effect on December 10 2025. The Government released stats on January 15 2026 advising 4.7million accounts have been deactivated or restricted since the ban came into effect. Here is an article from the ABC that discusses the Government report on the first month since the ban came into effect. In today's episode we speak with two Australian teenagers impacted by the social media ban to get their take on what the first month has been like and if the ban has changed how they are socialising or spending time online. Lets just say there seems to have been mixed results!

We also discuss some news stories including;

Barbies new collaboration with the Autism Self Advocacy Network - with the release of Autistic Barbie

The Importance of Family Rituals like Games nights and Family Dinners -

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supporting Children who are Grieving with Feel the Magic Co-Founder Kristy Thomas

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 17:00:00 GMT

You can visit the Feel the Magic Organisation via their website to look at their online and in person programs and to make a referral. Thank you again to Kristy Thomas for joining us to discuss how adults can support a child who is greving the loss of a family member. Grief support is also available via GriefLine in Australia from 8am - 8pm on 1300 845 745

Here is the article published by the Guardian about the Grok Statement from X regarding them putting in a Geoblock on users creating sexualised and child pornographic material in counties where it is illegal.

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miss Universe to Mother & Self Confidence with Monika Radulovic

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 17:00:00 GMT

On this week's Episode of Let's Reconnect we are joined by former Miss Universe Australia Monika Radulovic. We discuss her unique journey from graduating with an honours degree in psychology to becoming Miss Universe Australia and her time at the Miss Universe International Pageant in Las Vegas. Her challenges on Survivor and her learnings after becoming a mother. Monika helps me answer some listener questions and we reflect on 16 years of friendship!

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Minisode- The Stages of Behaviour Change

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Are you worried about your child's behaviour? Maybe it's their gaming or phone use that's worrying you or maybe its their attitude towards their school, studies or sporting endeavours.

In this mini episode "minisode" of Let's Reconnect Breanna takes you through the Stages of Change Model - a therapeutic model professionals use when working with someone who is wanting to change a problematic behaviour. We discuss how parents or people worried about a child's behaviour can tailor their conversations, support and approach to children or teens based on where they are along the 'stages of change'.

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spotlight on Male Teachers with Complete Teacher

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 17:00:00 GMT

In this weeks episode we are joined by @completeteacher. We discuss all thing teaching and what challenges are facing our children and teachers today and how parents can work with teachers. We explore some of the topics in the news over the Christmas period and have some laughs about our favourite footy teams.

Send this episode to someone with children in primary school or to the teachers in your life and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and give us a rating.

Follow-us on social media @letsreconnect_pod and @breanna.jayne_psychologist so you don't miss any updates.

Thanks again to @completeteacher for joining us

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to support kids after the Bondi terror attack & Parents discussing when to introduce smartphones to their kids

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 17:30:00 GMT

On this episode of Let's Reconnect we discuss the Bondi Terror Attack and advice on how to support kids who may have been impacted or exposed after Breanna was asked by both parents and the media about what they can do to help.

Here is a link to some fact sheets by Emerging Minds and Hedspace on this topic

We first take a deep dive with some parents who joined Breanna on location to discuss when they intend to introduce smart phones to their kids and what worries them about their children getting access to a smart phone. We discuss some considerations for Parents if they are introducing a smart phone to their kids this Christams.

We will take a break over Christmas and have some exciting episodes coming up for you.

Let's Reconnect next episode. In the meantime, subscribe and follow our podcast and socials @breanna.jayne_psychologist @letsreconnect_pod. If you or your child would like to write in with a question or story, or you’d like to be a guest advocating for the needs of children and young people, please reach out.

Disclaimer:

The information in this podcast is general and not a substitute for individual mental health support or treatment. While I am a registered psychologist, I am not providing personalised guidance here. Every child and family is different, and what’s discussed may not suit your situation.

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional.

For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My favourite thing about kids & AI replacing Mental Health Support

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:30:00 GMT

Here is a link to an Article by the Black Dog Institute to consider if using AI for Mental Health support

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep1 Welcome & Response to the Social Media Ban in Australia

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:45:00 GMT

Join as as we dive into topics that impact the lives of Children and Young People while the goal of helping Parent's Reconnect with their kids.

This Episode we discuss what the podcast Let's Reconnect is all about and explore the biggest topic in the news at the moment which is the Australians Government Social Media Age restrictions for under 16 years olds. The Social Media Ban as it has been called comes into place on December 10 2025.

You can find the esafety commisioner resources here to get accurate information and support about the social media age restrictions

Check out the news about social media platforms trying to hide the research that showed their platforms were dangerous for Youth Mental Healh

Teach Us Consent - Fix our Feeds - campaign for the government to support Australia's to opt in and out of algorithims on social media

Let's Reconnect next episode. In the meantime, subscribe and follow our podcast and engage with us on socials @breanna.jayne_psych @letsreconnect_pod. If you or your child would like to write in with a question or story, or you’d like to be a guest advocating for the needs of children and young people, please reach out via social media.

Disclaimer:

If you have concerns, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. For immediate help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or call 000 in an emergency.

Views expressed are my own and not those of any organisations I am associated with.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.