Queensland’s chief health officer has declared a “public health alert” over a significant rise in mental health issues affecting the state’s youth. Dr John Gerrard says smartphones and social media are largely responsible for the “significant issue”. Premier Stephen Miles said there’s an “undeniable link” between social media use and young people’s mental health as he revealed new usage guidelines yesterday. They urge parents to limit access to social media for children under 14yo, and “closely monitor and support children as it is introduced, and restrict time until healthy habits are established”. And it’s not just Queensland where kids’ safety was under review yesterday… Another new report has found one in 6 Aussie school children have been bullied – more than any other comparable English-speaking country.