In this episode Emma Clark joins Alastair live from Australia to explore rising anxiety in
schools, generational differences in parenting, and the reality behind Australia’s under-16
social media ban.
A former English teacher and now co-founder of Anxiety Uncovered, Emma shares her
deeply personal story of childhood trauma, high-functioning anxiety, eventual burnout and
how that journey now shapes her work supporting young people.
Emma and Alastair unpack what’s really happening in schools in 2026, whether the social
media ban for under 16s in Australia is working in practice, and how parents and educators
can better bridge the generational divide.

5 Highlights

• Emma’s powerful upbringing story and the long shadow of high-functioning anxiety
• Why schools today are seeing unprecedented levels of anxiety-related absence
• The reality of Australia’s social media ban and how easily it’s bypassed
• The generational shift in how young people talk about mental health
• The “Three H’s” framework: Held, Helped, or Heard

Emma Clark Takeaways:

• Anxiety doesn’t need to be “severe” to deserve attention
• Gen Z’s openness about mental health reduces stigma across generations
• Blanket bans on social media may miss deeper structural issues
• Parents need education about the digital world — not just restrictions
• Bridging generational gaps often starts with asking what support someone actually wants

Emma Clark Links
www.anxietyuncovered.com
https://www.instagram.com/anxietyuncovered/
https://www.instagram.com/emma.j.clark/

Generationally Speaking Links:
Generationally Speaking Website

Generationally Speaking on LinkedIn

Alastair on LinkedIn