How to Tell Your Friend What Their Teen Is Doing Online

Dear Dr Justin,

My husband and I have some family friends. Their daughter is friends with our daughter. I recently heard their daughter telling my daughter about her ‘private’ Instagram account. My daughter has told me that her friend is sharing sexual images, and images with alcohol and cigarettes on that account. Her parents (my friends) would be mortified. Do I tell them?

Residents Encouraged to take Precautions Ahead of King Tides

Townsville is expecting another round of king tides this month and residents in low-lying areas are being encouraged to take precautions.

King tides are expected this week – reaching its highest peak of 3.9m tomorrow evening at around 11.38pm.

Community Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said people should take the usual precautions for the tides.

“Most residents in low-lying areas that experience the effects of king tides each year know what to do, but I’d ask them to provide some advice to neighbours who might be new to the area,” Cr Greaney said.

“The king tides this month are below the 4-metre level but even so residents should take precautions by raising any valuables and moving their cars from areas where saltwater may come up.”

Suburbs such as South Townsville and Railway Estate may be impacted, along with Hanran Street and Ogden Street in the city.

Motorists are asked to observe any warnings and road closures.

Tides will be at their highest at the beginning and end of the month with king tides forecast:

  • 3.9 metres Thursday, August 1 at 9.38pm
  • 3.85 metres Friday, August 2 at 10.22pm
  • 3.93 metres Thursday, August 29 at 10.34pm
  • 3.96 metres Friday, August 30 at 11.14pm
  • 3.84 metres Saturday, August 31 at 11.56pm
As usual, if residents need sandbags to protect their properties from inundation, they can collect them at the State Emergency Service headquarters in Green Street, West End.
Residents can fill bags with sand provided on-site but will need to bring their own shovel.
For more information on king tides, visit our Know Your Risks page.

Let’s Be Collaborators, Not Competitors!

by: Harriet Connor

As a mum, I know how easy it is to fall into the trap of seeing other mothers as competitors. When we meet another mum, we immediately start making comparisons; we want to know how we “rank” against her in different areas: our parenting, our appearance, our children, our cooking, our job etc.