When children or teenagers are struggling with their mental health, parents often want to help but aren’t always sure how. As health professionals, we know that one of the most effective ways to support young people’s wellbeing is by engaging their parents and caregivers.
Parenting interventions give families the tools to respond more confidently to behavioural and emotional challenges, build stronger connections, and create a more supportive home environment. By learning to manage stress, set boundaries, and model coping strategies, parents can better support their children’s wellbeing and resilience.
But not every family can easily access in-person programs or appointments. Busy schedules, travel, cost, or location can make it difficult to attend regular sessions. That’s where online parenting interventions come in, providing flexible, evidence-based support that parents can use in their own time and space.
Here are some trusted, research-backed online parenting programs and resources that you can recommend to families.
Parenting Interventions
The BRAVE Program
https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/
Self-guided CBT intervention programs to help children and teenagers (3-17) better cope with their worries, including parent/caregiver components, which help provide strategies for dealing with anxious child and teen behaviour.
Triple P Online
https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/triple-p/
Online CBT parenting programs supporting child development and family wellbeing from babies to teens, with courses for parents of children with anxiety and families navigating divorce.
Parent Works
A 5 to 8 module, self-directed online program arming parents and caregivers of children and teenagers (2-17yrs) with skills to respond to their child’s behaviour.
Partners in Parenting PLUS (PiP+)
https://partnersinparenting.com.au/
A practical parenting program to build skills and support parents and caregivers to play their role in building emotional resilience in their teenagers (12-17yrs).
Partners in Parenting: Education (PiP-Ed)
Self-guided online program for parents and caregivers of teens aged 12-18 years experiencing school refusal due to anxiety and/or depression.
Parenting Information
Raising Children Network
https://raisingchildren.net.au/
Guidance for families, parents and caregivers to grow and thrive together. Also available as Raising Healthy Minds app.
Support for Parents
Supporting a young person who’s struggling can be emotionally demanding, so it’s important for parents to have support for themselves. Accessing reliable information, connecting with others who understand, or seeking professional guidance can help parents feel less alone and more confident in managing their child’s needs.
My Circle Parents
https://kidshelpline.com.au/my-circle
A safe, confidential, moderated peer support platform for young people going through challenges to connect and learn from each other. Includes a separate platform (My Circle for Parents) for parents, carers and supporters of young people.
ReachOut Parents
Information website and peer support service offering online chats with trained peer workers, resources, and personalised guidance for young people seeking support to improve wellbeing. ReachOut Parents provides tips, information and free one-on-one telephone and online professional coaching for parents and carers of teens aged 12-18.
Parenting Resources for First Nations People
There are a range of digital resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, offering culturally relevant information and encouragement. Resources cover healthy pregnancies, effective parenting strategies and the important role of fathers in raising strong, confident kids.
Download the WellMob Parenting Resource Sheet for Workers for a short list of the best resources for health pregnancy, being a father, and parenting.
Bringing it into Practice
Online parenting interventions are accessible, free, and evidence-based, making them excellent options for health professionals working in primary care, schools, community health, or mental health settings. They can be used:
- As part of early intervention or stepped-care approaches
- Alongside therapy or clinical treatment
- Or as standalone supports for families who prefer to self-manage at home
By connecting parents to these programs, you can help families feel more confident and capable, and in turn, strengthen outcomes for the young people you work with.
Explore our referral sheet for more evidence-based parenting resources.
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