Mental Health
University of New South Wales
Dr Mewton’s research has shown that problematic alcohol use usually develops during the critical teenage years. She is looking at why this is happening and focuses on ways in which we can stop problematic alcohol use occurring before it has the chance to have a major impact on young Australians lives. Dr Mewton has developed online alcohol use prevention programs that are packaged in ways that are designed to appeal to young people such as internet-delivered cartoon-based storylines that contain serious messages about alcohol use or online “smart games” – designed to strengthen areas of the brain associated problematic alcohol use. These alcohol prevention programs are largely self-directed, empowering teenagers and giving them the chance to regain control of their lives.
Louise has been a Research Representative for the annual Rotary Health ‘Hat Day’ – an initiative that is ‘shining a light on mental health’, producing blogs, YouTube videos and providing community mental health tips. She has also been interviewed by the New York Times, Time Magazine and the Sydney Morning Herald, as well as ABC radio and featured on Channel 10’s The Project.