Five Seconds of Kindness: The Power to Change a Life | Maya Haman | TEDxSt Marys College Youth

Key Issues - Snap judgments can be made in just 5 seconds, influencing opinions and potentially impacting someone's day positively or negatively [1] - Cyberbullying and social pressure contribute significantly to youth suicide rates in Australia [5][6] - The stories of Emma, Charlotte, Dolly, Adiel, Ella, Scarlet, and Khloe highlight the real-world consequences of bullying and mental health struggles among young people [4][5][6][7] Statistical Data - Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians, with over 87% of these tragedies occurring in those aged 14 to 17 [5] - In 2023, suicide accounted for 185% of all child deaths in Australia [13] - In 1997, youth suicide rates for males peaked at 236 per 1 million, while females were 62 per 1 million [12] - Over 38% of young Australians have experienced a mental health disorder, with body image concerns playing a significant role [10] - A Butterfly Foundation survey found that one in three teenagers in Australia feels dissatisfied with their body, and over 90% are worried about their appearance [14] Call to Action - The report emphasizes the importance of making those 5 seconds count by sending messages of support, standing up to bullies, and reaching out to friends [15][16] - Encourages proactive change to rewrite the future for young people struggling with bullying, mental illness, and social pressure [15][16] - Highlights the potential of kindness to rewire the brain and the impact of even a 5-second moment of encouragement [14][15]