Steps for Safe Screens

Steps for safe screens: Our Overland Adventure for Headspace Youth

This April, our family—Dad, Mum, Josie, and Elliott—are swapping screens for scenery as we take on Tasmania’s legendary Overland Track. That’s 65 kilometres of wild beauty, muddy boots, and (hopefully) more wombats than rain clouds! We’re trekking from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, raising funds for Headspace Youth and championing safer, kinder online spaces for young Australians.

Why Are We Doing This?

Beginning in August, Elliott did a lot of research and worked on a major project that he presented in November to teachers and parents about the effects of social media on younger children—and how it can be very unhealthy for their mental health. Let’s face it: the online world can be a jungle. Cyberbullying is on the rise, and with Australia’s new social media ban for under-16s, the conversation about digital wellbeing is more important than ever. Headspace Youth is there for young people when things get tough, and we’ve decided to help them keep doing their amazing work.

The Overland Challenge—What’s in Store?

April on the Track: Think autumn leaves, crisp mornings, and the occasional “Is that snow?” moment. The weather can be a mixed bag—sunshine, rain, sleet, snow, and everything in between. We’ll be carrying all our gear, sleeping in huts (or tents if we’re feeling brave), and soaking up some of Australia’s most stunning wilderness.

Fun Fact: Over 9,000 people complete the Overland each year, but not everyone does it with a mission to make the internet a kinder place!

Our Training Journey: The Adventure Begins!

We’re not just jumping into the Overland cold—our training is ramping up, one hike at a time! We’ve already tackled a few challenges (with plenty more to come), and each week we’ll be sharing a new “chapter” of our journey. Expect stories of city strolls, bushland climbs, and the occasional snack-related mishap.

Stay tuned:

• We’ll reveal our first hike soon—can you guess where we started?
• Each week, we’ll post a new adventure, with photos, fun facts, and a few laughs from the trail.
• As the hikes get longer (and the backpacks heavier), so does our determination to make a difference for Headspace.

Spoiler alert: we have already completed a tough overnight hike!

The Big Picture: Why This Matters

Cyberbullying Stats: Did you know over half of young Aussies have experienced cyberbullying? And with the new social media ban, more than 4.7 million youth accounts have been deactivated in just one month. It’s a big change, and support from organisations like Headspace is more important than ever. 1 in 5 students have skipped school to avoid online abuse. Headspace is there to help them get back on track. 

Mental Health & Social Media: Almost two in five (38.8%) Australians aged 16–24 have experienced symptoms of a mental disorder in the past year—a sharp rise from previous years. Rates of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress are highest among girls and gender-diverse teens. 

Headspace provides vital support, offering counselling, resources, and safe spaces to help young people navigate these challenges and build resilience.

How You Can Help

1. Donate: Every dollar supports Headspace’s youth mental health programs.
2. Share: Spread the word! Use our hashtags: #StepsForSafeScreens #OverlandForWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters.
3. Join the #StepAwayChallenge: Take a break from social media—an hour, a day, or more! Share what you did instead and tag us.
4. Follow Our Adventure: We’ll post updates, photos, and stories as we train and trek. Cheer us on!
5. Start Your Own Fundraiser: Feeling inspired? Create your own event for Headspace.

Every step we take is for a kinder, safer world—on and offline. Thanks for being part of our journey!