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As educators, we’re often focused on lesson planning, assessment and classroom management. Importantly, we’re also looking to manage the additional factors that influence a student’s ability to access the curriculum and learn.Â
Written by Hilary Tucker (Clinical Product Manager, My Mind Check), 19 June 2025
Mental health, often difficult to recognise in a busy classroom, isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a key part of whether a student thrives or struggles in their school environment. Â
Here are some ways that mental health can affect your student’s learning, and what you may want to look out for.
Students experiencing stress, anxiety or low mood can find it difficult to concentrate. While your student may appear to be engaged, they may have difficulties retaining information from lessons, and may find it challenging to follow multi-step instructions or to stay focused on tasks. This can often look different in the classroom, ranging from your diligent, quieter student falling behind in their work, to your student who is slowly becoming increasingly disruptive in an attempt to avoid work they are finding stressful. Â
💡 Tip for teachers: Most students inherently want to do their best. If a student seems forgetful or distracted, consider what else could be going on behind the scenes.Â
Physical wellbeing and mental health are interrelated. When your student experiences difficulties with their mental health, their body is often showing signs too. As their classroom teacher, you may observe these signs first, often before your student does. By tuning into these physical signs, we can respond with compassion and start meaningful conversations with the student or their caregiver. So, what should you look out for? Â
💡 Tip for teachers: Don’t dismiss frequent complaints of not feeling well, especially when there’s no clear illness. These could be signs of emotional stress.Â
When students are struggling with their mental health, it often shows up first in their behaviour and not always in ways that we expect or immediately understand. What might look like defiance, laziness or a lack of interest is often something else entirely. You might see, for example, a student withdraw from co-curricular and classroom activities, stop submitting their homework or assessment tasks, or they may even act out or become increasingly disruptive. These can be signs that a student is struggling emotionally.Â
💡 Tip for teachers: Looking beyond your student’s behaviour is key. Before responding, consider whether their behaviour is a sign of something else. It may also be something that they may not immediately be aware of.Â
Students who experience mental health difficulties can sometimes experience a lack of confidence or a fear of not achieving their potential. All of which can reduce their motivation to engage in their learning and school environment. Â
💡 Tip for teachers: Small, genuine encouragement goes a long way. Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. My Mind Check’s Student Snapshot resource provides a valuable support to school staff identifying their students’ strengths and considering these in the context of what they already know.Â
Healthy peer and teacher relationships are the backbone of a supportive classroom. But when a student is struggling with their mental health, it can be much harder for them to connect, communicate and collaborate. A student experiencing stress or low mood or difficulties with focus and attention may become increasingly irritable, find it hard to connect with peers or work in groups, or become more socially isolated. These can be signs that something else is going on.Â
💡 Tip for teachers: Continuing to create a supportive classroom and school culture is fundamental to learning. Schools are using My Mind Check’s evidence-based tool to check in with their students and normalise mental health conversations, where it’s safe to be vulnerable and ask for help.
Teachers play a crucial role in supporting student mental health in the classroom. They often serve as the first to notice when a student is struggling. By creating safe, responsive and caring classrooms, teachers contribute meaningfully to a school culture that prioritises emotional wellbeing alongside academic growth. My Mind Check supports this important work by helping teachers better understand their students’ mental health and wellbeing needs, while also creating space to celebrate and uplift student voice – a vital step in building trust and connection.Â
My Mind Check celebrates the incredible work of teachers and their passion to change lives, not just by what they teach, but by how they make students feel.Â
How My Mind Check can help educators provide better insights and outcomes during parent-teacher interviews, giving students a chance to thrive both inside and outside of school.
New research from the Macquarie University’s Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre validates effectiveness of youth mental health check-ins at school.
In this ABC podcast episode, Dr. Norman Swan and Dr. Preeya Alexander discuss a trial with Australian students, where regular wellbeing surveys improved mental health outcomes and helped identify at-risk students.
Check out our full collection of news, blogs, and research for educators and schools.