About

About Cool Kids - Taking Control

The Cool Kids - Taking Control online self-help program that is designed to help children who have been targets of bullying and who also have high levels of anxiety. The program teaches children new skills to help them feel more confident, to act in helpful ways if they are bullied, and learn how to cope if they feel worried, angry or sad.

Cool Kids - Taking Control is designed for parents to work through with their child at home. The program is delivered over the internet and involves eight lessons, which teach children:

  •          about bullying and anxiety,

  •          how to be confident in social situations,

  •          how to better manage fears,

  •          helpful ways to act if they are bullied, and

  •          how to cope with bullying.

Cool Kids – Taking Control includes instructions, examples, and short videos for children and their parents. There are lots of practice exercises to help children master the skills.

During each session, families receive information on the topic being covered and are offered the chance to engage in discussion, games and role play to learn new skills and then to use their skills in real life situations. Practice tasks are a crucial part of the program and are given following every session. Practice tasks encourage use of new skills in everyday situations.

The Parent's role

Both parents (when appropriate) will be encouraged to work through the online program with their child. Parents play an active role in the treatment as coaches, helping their child plan and implement the new skills being learned. They are also guided to explore ways to interact with their child differently, and to provide support and encouragement as they progress through the program.

Families that are part of the Cool Kids - Taking Control Trial will receive brief (10-15 minute) weekly phone calls by an allocated therapist to assist families in understanding the program material, support problem solving, and address any questions pertaining to the program material. 

The Cool Kids Taking Control program is not currently active and will not be accepting new registrations for the research project at this time. If you are interested in an alternative program for anxiety in children please check out our Cool Kids program here.

 

Acknowledgment and Ownership Details

‘Cool Kids – Taking Control Program Online’, Australia (English version), April, 2015, revision of ‘Cool Teens Program Online’, Australia (English version), December 2012.

The Cool Kids – Taking Control program was developed at the Centre for Emotional Health, Psychology Department, Macquarie University. 

Project Director 

Professor Ron Rapee

 

Clinical Psychology Advisors

 Prof Jennifer Hudson

Assoc. Prof Dr Kay Bussey

Dr Caroline Hunt

Dr Heidi Lyneham

 

Programming and Graphical Design 

Dr Sally Fitzpatrick and Dr Lauren McLellan

 

Child Guides (Audio)

Dominic Oen and Michaela Flynn

 

Coach Guides (Audio)

Dr Sally Fitzpatrick and Dr Lauren McLellan

 

Characters

Naomi Radom, Clara McCrindle

Vincent Fogliati, Matthew Wallace

 

Illustrators 

Dominic O’Connell

 

Special Thanks

Thanks to the many people who provided feedback and support during development, are involved in evaluating the program, or have been involved in developing previous versions of therapy materials at the Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University.

 

Reference Materials

Rapee, R.M., Wignall, A., Hudson, J.L., & Schniering, C.A. (2000). Treating anxious children and adolescents: An evidence-based approach. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

  Lyneham, H. J, Wignall, A. & Rapee, R. M. (2012). Cool Kids Child and Adolescent Anxiety Management Program Children’s Workbook (2nd Ed.). Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University: Sydney, Australia

Lyneham, H. J, Wignall, A. & Rapee, R. M. (2012). Cool Kids Child and Adolescent Anxiety Management Program Parent’s Workbook (2nd Ed.). Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University: Sydney, Australia

Lyneham, H. J, Wignall, A. & Rapee, R. M. (2008). Helping Your Anxious Child Children’s  Workbook (2nd Ed.). Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University: Sydney, Australia

Lyneham, H. J, Abbott, M. J., Wignall, A. & Rapee, R. M. (2003). The Cool Kids Program - Children’s Workbook. MUARU: Macquarie University: Sydney

Lyneham, H. J, Abbott, M. J., Wignall, A. & Rapee, R. M. (2003). The Cool Kids Program - Parent’s Workbook. MUARU: Macquarie University: Sydney

 

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