Social Media Ban in Australia & Screentime Alternatives
Anna R. (Yr 9 student recently completed her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award) wrote,
It’s time to embrace the great outdoors. Instead of staying indoors scrolling through screens, why not explore some fun and creative activities that will not only boost your mood but also improve your mental health and productivity? DIY projects, swimming, or even a short bushwalk in your local park are simple yet effective ways to connect with nature, recharge your energy, and clear your mind.
Especially now, with the social media ban for under-16s, getting outside is going to become more important. With less time spent online, there’s a whole world of real-life experiences waiting for you. Think weekend hikes, learning a new sport, joining a local club, or even picking up hands-on hobbies like gardening or bike riding.
Instead of scrolling through other people’s adventures, this is your chance to create your own. Fresh air, sunshine, and genuine connection can do wonders for your wellbeing, and now is the perfect moment to build healthy habits that last a lifetime. So, step outside, get moving, and make the most of the sunny days ahead!
Bibi’s notes:
While youth mental health experts from Headspace and Beyond Blue do not support the ban, this restriction will be enforced starting 10th December. They have called for increased funding and greater efforts to educate young people—and their parents—on how to identify harmful content and protect themselves.
I attended several webinars on this topic, and the majority of young people expressed opposition to the ban. You can read more in a BBC article featuring voices of Australian teens advocating for the removal of harmful content from social media, rather than an outright ban.
The Community Flower Studio remains active on both Facebook and Instagram, sharing positive stories and nurturing resilience across all ages.
Below are helpful resources from the eSafety Commissioner to support young people, parents, and educators as they navigate this new social media landscape:
- eSafety Commissioner – Resources for Young People
- eSafety Commissioner – Support for Parents and Carers
- eSafety Commissioner – Guidance for Educators
We encourage everyone to use these tools to stay informed, safe, and empowered in the digital world.
Reflecting on past events
Turn Anguish into Strength
I first heard about the catastrophic tower fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Wednesday, 26 November, while attending an International Social Prescribing Conference in Brisbane. The images of burning flames and thick, collapsing smoke were terrifying. My brother and his family live in that area though not in that estate — but it struck me that life and death can change in an instant, beyond anyone’s control.”
Early the next morning, a friend messaged me after watching the news, which reported 28 fatalities. With trembling hands, I contacted my brother. He told me they were safe, but the death toll had already risen to 44, including a firefighter in his mid-30s who gave his life trying to save others. Throughout the morning, I could no longer focus on the conference. My mind stayed with Hong Kong, with the people caught in the fire.
As the numbers climbed — 156 confirmed dead and over 30 still unaccounted for — my heart felt heavier with each update. Fifteen people have been arrested in relation to the investigation of the causes of the fire and any negligence and corruptions. The last few days, back in Sydney, I found myself unable to sleep. I kept reading: how the fire might have started, how it raced from the lower floors to the roof within minutes, how entire families became separated in the confusion. A woman told a reporter she had lived there since she was six. After nearly forty years of calling it home, everything vanished in moments. Her face, etched with disbelief, stayed with me.
The more I read, the more I felt the chill of secondary trauma creeping in. Grief, helplessness, and sorrow sat heavily on my chest. In the midst of this darkness, I searched for a way to honour the lives lost. On my personal Facebook page, I shared a song written by young Hongkongers with the reflection: “Turn sadness and anguish into a melody of strength and support.”
Click here to listen and watch some images of this horrific fire. May we hold the victims in our hearts, and may collective compassion lead us toward healing.
International Social Prescribing Conference – take home messages about ‘Youth Social Prescribing’
Bibi presented the CFS Three-Tiers of Social Prescribing Model at the conference and felt reassured that our team is heading in the right direction. Dr. Daniel Hayes from University College London (UCL) shared the UK story of youth social prescribing. Since its inception in 1998, social prescribing has expanded to over 31 countries worldwide, but only a small proportion of programs specifically involve young people. An online training model offered by UCL will be available in Jan/Feb 2026.
CFS should be proud of the work we are doing. A more detailed description and lessons learned from the conference can be found in the column “From the Desk of Bibi.”
Final creative workshop by young people for young people for 2025. Acrylic Pour on Christmas Baubles – the messier it got, the happier the participants! LOL!
Reflection on CFS’ Secret Garden Event – celebrate Mental Health Month with Flowers and Creativity!
On Saturday 25 October, CFS hosted a first Secret Garden Event with 4 components:
1. ‘Wishing Flower Exhibition’, 2. DIY (Dried) Flower Bar Experience, 3. FAME (Floral Arrangements Made Easy) Workshop and 4. Live Stream Mental Health and Creativity Forum. You can still view the beautiful floral arrangements here and the very cute succulent terrariums here.
Check out this Instagram reel of highlights of this event:
The Secret Garden Team was so proud to have created this space for starting a conversation on ‘mental well-being’. Prevention is better than cure!
WHAT’S ON in Nov & Dec 2025?
Youth Mentoring Program
Dr Bibiana Chan, CF, and other CFS members in various professions are available to mentor young people, share their work experiences. Topics covered: study skills, time management, goal setting, getting motivated, write a resume that stands out of the crowd, job interviewing skills and assertive communication, etc.
If would like to refer any young people (12 – 30 year) whom you recently started a ‘RUOK?’ conversation to our FREE Youth Mental Health Program, please contact Dr Bibi via email: communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com or call 0412-613-073. Check out KYDS (Free Youth Mental Counselling) for their services. EPIC (Empowering Parents In Crisis) is a community building peer support platform “For parents & carers of young people by parents & carers of young people“.
A new resource: Self-Compassion for Teens
with a page dedicated for the adults caring for their teenagers: resources for the adults
Christmas Pop-up Stall on Sat 13th Dec
Christmas is just around the corner. Join Bibi and the pop-up stall team at our final pop-up stall on Sat 13th Dec to get a beautiful bouquet which gives twice. All net proceeds will fund our Youth Social Prescribing Program. Our petal-it-forward campaign will take a twist by giving away beautiful ‘Spider plant’ and ‘Pokka Dot plant’. Find us at the corner of Willoughby Rd and French’s Rd, right outside Little Giant Roaster Café.
Together, let’s sow the seed of kindness where so many parts of the world are experiencing man-made conflicts ( and wars). Here is a link to find out the health benefits of receiving (and giving) flowers .
Laughter Yoga End of Year Party
Join our 2025 Spring Program on 2nd Dec . ! There will be a ‘End of Year Party’ on Tues 2/12 to conclude a whole year of LAUGHTER! The Autumn program will return in Tues 17th March to coincide with Harmony Week 2026.
Curious about Laughter Yoga? The benefits are amazing for both mind and body—but no shortcuts! Daily practice of 10–15 mins for at least 10 days is the key. Check out this YouTube clip on Dr K’s tips on incorporating laughter yoga into your daily ‘chores’ (rituals).
Attend at least one class and you’ll join our WhatsApp group, where we share check-ins, new laugh exercises, and updates from Dr Kataria’s Daily International Laughter Class. here is a YouTube clip which Dr K showed us how to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. I hope this group will offer all of us a channel to share our emotions, positive or negative! Keep well!
CFS Event of the Month
We are currently seeking an Event Organiser to coordinate these monthly events, each hosted by a different member with prior experience in organizing similar activities. Bibi will soon circulate a Google Doc to create a roster for 2026. We warmly welcome your ideas and suggestions—feel free to email them to Bibi!
Event of the Month for Dec
CFS AGM (online)
Date: Wed 3th Dec
Time: 7 – 7:45 pm
A year has passed quickly, it’s time for our AGM (Annual General Meeting). All members are invited to attend to create a quorum of at least 50% of member’s presence. Bibi and the Committee is preparing the annual report and financial reports. Nominations for various positions on the Committee is now open. If you would like to nominate a member, please email Bibi for a nomination form. All members will receive an email with details about the AGM. Stay tuned.
End of Year Lunch
Sat 20 Dec 2025 End of Year Lunch at Chatswood Youth Centre (64 Albert Ave, Chatswood). CFS members $5, non-members $15 (sponsored by a generous donation). Book your tickets via Humanitix here.
Special Feature: Play a round of Skip the Small Talk — a meaningful conversation game that helps us dive deeper into the values and ideas that matter most. Connect with fellow CFS members and make new friends through open, heartfelt conversations.
Come share stories, laughter, and good food with the CFS community as we look back on 2025 and look forward to another year of creativity, kindness, and connection. Find out more about these wonderful conversation cards here: Skip the small talk
New mental health podcasts added to CFS webpage. Here is one of them.
Podcast (in Cantonese) on Community Flower Studio’s program to promote ‘Social Connections’ to tackle loneliness.
By Dr Bibiana Chan
If you feel like supporting youth mental health, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to CFS. Your support will help young people learn life skills and find meaningful employment.
Michelle Benson published in LinkedIn an article entitled “𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿? “She is referring to the term “non-profit” which is a tax reference, that unfortunately grew legs and became a label.
Bibiana Chan responded, “Absolutely. Perhaps a better terminology is ‘For-Purpose’. The Community Flower Studio is a youth-focused charity with a mission to help youth learn life skills and find meaningful employment. Your generous donations are tax-deductible.”
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Download the Return & Earn App onto your phone and nominate ‘Petal-it-Forward’ as the charity campaign for your refund to go. An anonymous sponsor will match the amount donated, so your contribution will be doubled!
Good news!!!
As of 3/12/25, we raised $590.2. A total of $590.2 donation was made by our anonymous sponsor to support our ‘PETAL-IT-FORWARD’ CAMPAIGN.
Your generous donations are much appreciated. The Community Flower Studio is a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). Donations of over $2 will receive tax deductions. Please kindly make a donation to the Community Flower Studio (CFS) by direct debit. Our NAB account details are as follows: BSB No.: 082-212, Acc No.: 729-933-729
There are many ways to support CFS: become a member or contribute to the columns here. I’m always looking for a great recipe passed down from generation to generation. If you have a story to share, either write a short piece around 250 words or shoot us some photos. If there is a book or a movie you want to write a review, the CFS e-Newsletter will be happy to share with our e-Newsletter subscribers. Contact Bibi on communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
If you would like to purchase a DIY Succulent Terrarium Kit for a loved one or a friend as a present, order online here ! This is also a ‘Succulents in Colour-Sand Glass’ DIY Kit which comes with a youth-approved instruction sheet and a QR code to the YouTube clip of previous workshops. Available here. You can also purchase a DIY Flower Kit from our online shop, click Flower Crown
Flower of the Month
Ox-Eye Daisy
By Bibi
This month, we celebrate the delightful white daisy — lovingly nicknamed the “Mary Poppins Flower” by a four-year-old after watching the musical. With its bright white petals and cheerful yellow centre, the daisy symbolises innocence, joy, and the small wonders that light up everyday life. No surprise that these simple blossoms have found their way into children’s drawings, garden borders, and even Mary Poppins’ iconic straw hat, which features tiny white daisies alongside her famous red cherries in the 1964 film.
Care Instructions:
- Sunlight: 4–6 hours of direct sun daily
- Water: Lightly moist soil; water when the top centimetre feels dry
- Soil: Prefer well-drained soil
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowering
- Temperature: They enjoy cooler weather and tolerate light frost
Fun Fact: The Oy-Eye Daisy
The beloved Shasta Daisy, common in gardens across the USA, is actually a cultivated hybrid created by American horticulturalist Luther Burbank in 1901. He combined the Ox-eye Daisy with the Southern European Max Chrysanthemum (Leucanthemum maximum). This hybrid was then crossed with the Portuguese Daisy (Leucanthemum lacustre), and the next generation was hybridised with the Japanese Nippon Daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum) to create the Shasta Daisy we know today. This rich hybrid lineage makes the Shasta Daisy a wonderful example of international plant breeding with roots all over the world!
Ox-Eye Daisy on a ‘Mary Poppin Hat’
Ox-eye Daisy is a great subject for a Botanical Painting exercise. Check out this YouTube clip.
Plant of the Month
Plectranthus
By Bibi
One of the most popular varieties is the Plectranthus argentatus (Silver Spurflower), loved for its soft, silvery foliage that brightens shaded areas. Others, like Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’, reward you with stunning purple blooms from late summer through autumn. Variegated cultivars add an extra layer of charm, with creamy-white, lime, or purple-tinged edges that catch the eye even when not in flower.
Care Instructions:
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light or part shade. Some varieties tolerate deeper shade.
Water: Water when the topsoil feels dry. Most species dislike waterlogged soil, so ensure good drainage.
Soil: A general potting mix works well; add perlite for extra drainage if needed.
Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions but is sensitive to frost; bring potted plants indoors during winter.
Feeding: A light feed with a balanced fertiliser during the growing season keeps foliage lush.
Fun Facts:
Plectranthus is one of the easiest plants to propagate—perfect for sharing with friends! Simply snip a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or directly into moist soil. Roots usually emerge within a week or two, even with minimal care.
Some species release aromatic essential oils when touched, contributing to their common nickname, “Friendship Plant.” Others are used traditionally for medicinal or culinary purposes in different cultures.
With its generous spirit, vibrant foliage, and effortless growth, Plectranthus is a perfect reminder of nature’s abundance as we wrap up the year.
Check out this YouTube clip on Plectranthus Care Guide. If you would like a small cutting (with roots), drop Bibi an email to arrange for pick-up in Willoughby.
For a limited time only, ‘Pregnant Onion’ is available for sale at the CFS Flower Shop.
Book Review by Wing C.
Watercolour Lessons by Emma Lefebvre
Since this is our December/Christmas issue, I’d like to share a slightly different kind of book review—one that is also a personal reflection. I recently followed several “Watercolour lessons” from Watercolour Lessons, the debut book by Emma Lefebvre. This beautifully presented book covers techniques, colour theory, colour mixing, and step-by-step lesson plans accompanied by Emma’s own illustrations. I found it wonderfully user-friendly, especially for beginners.
I often joke that I almost failed my school art subject despite being an A-student in everything else. But many years later, my love of floristry and gardening nudged me into trying a course in Botanical Painting during a difficult episode of clinical depression. To my surprise, it felt… easy. I could hold a flower stem in one hand and use a ruler and compass to measure my specimen before gently sketching it onto drawing paper. That mindful focus was unexpectedly healing. Interestingly, Emma’s story echoes mine. During her own experience of anxiety and depression, she decided to return to creative arts. She walked into a dollar shop, picked up a cheap watercolour kit, a few brushes, and a sketch pad—and that simple moment became the beginning of her remarkable creative journey. Today, Emma is a successful YouTuber (Emma J Watercolour Studio) with over 570K subscribers worldwide (including me!). She speaks openly about her mental-health challenges and how creativity helped her through. I was deeply moved not only by her honesty, but by the warmth and encouragement she offers to people who may not feel comfortable seeking professional help.
During this festive season, not everyone will be celebrating with loved ones. Some may be missing someone at the Christmas table; others may simply need a quiet moment amidst the end-of-year rush. If that’s you—or if you’re curious to try something new—I highly recommend Emma’s book Watercolour Lessons, or one of her many calming YouTube tutorials. You won’t be disappointed.
And who knows—why not add the book to your wish list for someone to buy you as a “Chrissie pressie” (our Aussie way of saying Christmas present)?
Wishing you a peaceful and joy-filled Christmas from all of us at CFS—may creativity continue to brighten your days in the year ahead.
Recipe of the Month
This Jewelled Persian Rice Salad
Original recipe by Kate Parker
Ingredients
2 cups of basmati rice
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 pomegranate, seeds removed
1 cup dried cranberries
4 radishes, finely sliced
1 cup of almonds, roasted and roughly chopped
1 medium red onion, finely diced
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cumin
1 handful of mint, roughly chopped
Dressing
2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove of garlic, minced
Salt & pepper
Method
1. Prepare rice by washing until the water runs clear.
2. Add 3 cups of water to a medium-sized saucepan along with the turmeric.
3. Bring rice to the boil, then reduce to low until the water is gone. This should take 10-12 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and allow to stand for two-five minutes. Remove lid and fluff with a fork then set aside to cool.
5, As rice is cooking, roast the almonds for 4-8 minutes at 180 degrees. Check on them so they don’t burn. Once roasted remove and set aside to cool.
6. Prepare the dressing by adding all ingredients to a small jar and shaking to emulsify and set aside.
7. Add the cooled rice to a mixing bowl and toss rice as you pour over dressing gently. This will allow the oil to coat the rice and help it to separate in the salad.
8. Add remaining ingredients, sprinkling the spices over to spread evenly and toss to combine, serve warm or cold. This salad can be made 12-24 hours in advance if kept in a tightly packed airtight container to prevent the rice from drying out.
From the Desk of Bibi
Reflecting on the Social Prescribing Movement in Australia
By Dr Bibiana Chan
My recent presentation at the International Social Prescribing Conference in Brisbane was very well received. I was especially honoured by the words of Prof Sue Woolfenden, Director of Community Paediatrics at Sydney Local Health District:
“I am at the ASPIRE EACH 2025 conference and have met Dr Bibiana Chan, who is the founder and CEO of a social prescribing initiative with young people in NSLHD and an academic. She did an excellent presentation on youth co-design and participation to address mental health.”
This gathering of experts from the UK, USA, Singapore, and across Australia—NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria—reaffirmed that the work we are doing at the Community Flower Studio (CFS) is very much on the right track.
Throughout the three days, common themes emerged again and again: community-based, peer-led, youth-led, empowerment, self-referral, blurred boundaries, co-design, prevention, and self-care. These are the principles that have guided CFS from the beginning, and hearing them echoed globally was truly encouraging.
I met so many like-minded mental health professionals, service providers, and researchers who are all eager to advocate for social prescribing at every level of government. Yet, despite the passion and innovation behind these grassroots community initiatives, almost every project shared the same challenge—finding sustainable funding.
My own experience securing small community grants here and there is that funders often prioritise numbers and quantitative data, while overlooking the powerful, life-changing stories shared by participants. At the start of the conference, someone asked me, “How do you measure impact?”
Read my full article HERE.
Subscriber’s Corner
Networking at the Ryde Wellbeing Collaborative
by Jessica Zammit
On the 25th of November, I was given the fantastic opportunity of attending the Ryde Wellbeing Collaborative at Ryde Library on behalf of CFS. The event was thoroughly organised to accommodate for the 30 or so attendees, and to facilitate important discussions of the strengths and struggles that the Ryde community are facing. PHN did a wonderful job of collating important data, and asked valuable, important questions. In groups, we were asked to answer these questions to the best of our ability. Seeing the room come alive with such teamwork and togetherness for the Ryde community was quite special. Together, we found ways that we can do better for the Ryde community and ways that we might be able to persuade others to do more too. With valuable suggestions and input from allied health, clinicians, students and more, we were able to identify the most appropriate courses for action. I myself was very lucky to be seated with a lovely group of people from both clinical and allied health settings, providing for great discussions. The table loved the ideas and direction of Community Flower Studio. Overall, this was a highly valuable networking experience, with lots of laughter! I’m incredibly happy that I was given this chance to represent CFS at this event.
Photos taken at National Art Gallery (NAG in Canberra) and Martin Place (Sydney) by Wing C.
COMMUNITY FLOWER STUDIO LOGO EXPLAINED
Community: CFS is a community to support young people facing mental health challenges.
Creative: CFS hosts events to unleash young people s creative talents.
Resource: CFS provides members with resources to enhance their wellbeing.
Support: CFS offers support to members to develop their potential.
Growth: CFS fosters a growth mindset which is helpful in dealing with challenges.
Recovery: CFS sees recovery as achievable and a journey to cherish.
CONTACT US
Email: Communityflowerstudio@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.communityflowerstudio.org Mobile: 0412 613 073
Like us on Facebook:Community Flower Studio Inc. Instagram: communityflowerstudio
Address: 10-12 Clanwilliam St., Willoughby, 2068, NSW, Australia.