Macquarie University-led student wellbeing platform rolling out in Australian schools
In recent years, there has been an alarming rise in mental health issues among school-aged children.
One in seven children in Australia is experiencing mental health difficulties at any given time
and1 by Year 9, students with mental health concerns can be up to two years behind their peers academically.2
Distinguished Professor Ron Rapee AM, an internationally renowned youth mental health researcher at Macquarie University says intervention is critical to avoiding a youth mental health crisis.
“There are likely many reasons that the mental health of our young people is getting worse, yet despite improvements in recognition and education, many of these young people are still going unrecognised and slip between the cracks,” Professor Rapee says.
To help tackle this issue, Professor Rapee and colleagues in Macquarie University’s Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre used years of research to develop an innovative student wellbeing monitoring platform.
With funding from the Australian Government Department of Education, this research has been expanded into a new service, My Mind Check. My Mind Check is now being provided free to Australian schools*, giving them a valuable, real-time tool to help them understand student mental health and wellbeing and to inform their student wellbeing strategies.
The tool offers a range of benefits to schools:
1. Quick and easy to use: 10–15-minute student check-ins, designed to be conducted during school time.
2. Evidence-based: Developed through years of scientific research studies and consultation with Australian education, health, and community organisations.
3. Early intervention focus: Helping identify issues early, giving useful information to schools and caregivers.
4. Comprehensive resources: Curated materials to support school staff, caregivers, and students.
5. Secure: Adheres to Commonwealth Government standards of cyber security and privacy with all data stored in Australia.
6. Free for Australian schools: Saving school budgets for other critical activities.
Dr Lauren McLellan, Director of My Mind Check, says the tool has been specifically designed with schools’ needs in mind.
“Over recent years, the importance of mental health in educational settings has become increasingly evident, highlighting the urgent need to support schools and educators with real-time information and accessible resources.
“Schools across Australia have already begun registering for free access to My Mind Check and incorporating it into their wellbeing strategies, which is great to see.”
Please spread the word with teachers and schools about this important initiative.
If you are involved in education, you can register your school on the My Mind Check website or book in for a webinar. The My Mind Check School Support Team can provide tailored information and schedule a demonstration of the tool: email: [email protected]
To learn more about Macquarie University’s multi-disciplinary research into mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan, visit the Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre website.
* Enquire whether your state or territory has opted in