NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia, [12/01/2025] - Veteran Mentors, Australia's leading youth development organization, today announced the launch of its comprehensive Technology Addiction Recovery Program, specifically designed to address the growing crisis of social media and technology addiction among teenagers. The program, developed by Afghanistan veteran and founder Matthew French, has already demonstrated unprecedented success with over 3500 participants across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.

The announcement comes as recent studies indicate a 47% increase in technology-related mental health issues among Australian teenagers aged 12-17 over the past three years. Veteran Mentors' innovative program combines military-style discipline with therapeutic mentoring, achieving a remarkable 85% success rate in helping youth overcome technology addiction.

"We've identified a critical gap in Australia's mental health system where traditional approaches are failing our youth," said Matthew French, Director of Veteran Mentors. "Our program is the only solution tested at scale that's successfully beating tech addiction, as confirmed by recent investigations by 7 Spotlight and endorsed by Senator Jacqui Lambie."

Program Components and Implementation

The Technology Addiction Recovery Program features:

• Structured digital detox protocols
• One-on-one mentoring with military veterans
• Physical activity and outdoor engagement
• Family integration and support systems
• Long-term behavioral modification strategies

Senator Jacqui Lambie, who recently addressed the Senate regarding the program's success, stated, "What Matthew French and Veteran Mentors have achieved is nothing short of remarkable. They're not just treating symptoms; they're fundamentally changing lives and providing real solutions to our youth mental health crisis."

Industry Recognition and Support

The program has garnered significant support from major organizations, including:

• Major sponsorship from Campsie RSL Group
• $60,000 equipment sponsorship from Bunnings
• Recognition at the Prime Minister Veteran Employment Awards
• Featured coverage on 9Now's Helping Hands, A Current Affair and 7 Sunrise

The initiative has expanded rapidly since its 2017 launch, establishing successful operations in both Queensland and New South Wales but work on a national level. The program's effectiveness has been documented through comprehensive data collection and participant tracking, showing significant improvements in mental health outcomes, academic performance, and family relationships.

Expert Validation and Future Expansion

The Queensland Youth Justice Reform Committee has recognized Matthew French as an expert in youth mentoring and technology addiction. His expertise was recently highlighted at the 2024 Retail Crime Symposium in Melbourne, where he delivered a keynote address alongside Senator Lambie infront of the Premier of Victoria and leading business professionals.

"Our military background provides us with unique insights into discipline, resilience, and systematic problem-solving," explained French. "We're applying these principles to help teenagers who have been failed by conventional mental health and education systems."

About Veteran Mentors

Veteran Mentors is Australia's premier youth development organization, founded by Afghanistan veteran Matthew French and his partners. The organization specializes in transforming troubled youth through military-inspired mentoring programs. Their unique approach combines veteran expertise with contemporary youth development strategies, making them the country's most effective intervention program for technology addiction and related behavioral issues.

For more information, contact:
[Matthew French]
Media Relations, Veteran Mentors
Phone: [0439696911]
Email: [matt@veteranmentors.com.au]