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Mental health in education
Mental health in education is significant as it can impact upon students abilities to develop. Around half mental health disorders surface by the time people are 14 years old. Students need to feel emotionally healthy and balanced in order to succeed in their education. The mental health of young people is something that we must take seriously. In a 2018 study in the UK, statistics revealed that:


 * 75% of mental illnesses start before a child reaches their 18th birthday.
 * 50% of mental health problems in adult life start before the age of 15.
 * 10% of school children have been diagnosed with a mental illness.
 * 75% of young people with a mental health illness are not receiving treatment.
 * 51% of young people feel embarrassed about mental illness.

Due to the significant statistics, promoting positive mental health in schools is essential.

In Australia, there is one in five Australians affected by mental health. Resulting in people affected forming part of our close circles of family, friends and colleagues. It’s time to look at mental illness in a different light, a positive light.

Good relationships with friends and family, a stable household, good education and social inclusion can all play a role in positive mental health. Those who experience social disadvantage/isolation, family breakdown, violence, abuse, poor educational attendance, or who have substance abuse problems are more vulnerable to mental illness.

How schools can promote positive mental health
Educators can often be one of the first to notice mental health problems within their students. Teachers should be aware of the warning signs. Warning signs may include withdrawn behaviour, lack of motivation, unexplained change in attitude or behaviour. Teachers should be well educated and understand the signs and symptoms that one may be presenting who requires help. Schools should promote positive and safe spaces so that students feel welcome and comfortable in the school environment. This can also help to create a safe and trusting relationship between students and staff. It is vital for students to feel and know that they can talk to teachers about any issues they have. Teachers should ensure that they communicate that to their students.

Schools should ensure mental health is not seen as a taboo subject or something to be embarrassed to talk about. By discussing it openly, this will create a welcoming place to discuss any concerns. This can be addressed in school assemblies and openly celebrated on awareness days, such as world mental health day, to let students know they’re not alone. Schools could also invite charities into school to give talks about their work and address the topic of mental health.

Creating social clubs such as lunchtime clubs can give students the opportunity to take their mind off things and can provide the students with a sense of community, which can result in feelings of inclusion. The clubs can be a range of different activities such as arts and crafts, baking, drama, sports, book clubs, etc.

Bullying
All children have the right to feel safe at school. Bullying and violence is never acceptable and should be taken very seriously. The Bullying. No Way! website presents information, resources and supportive ideas for school communities on how to respond to bullying, harassment, and violence.

The website promotes the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, Australia's key anti-bullying event for schools. On this day, each year, all Australian students are encouraged to take a stand against bullying and violence in their classroom, school and beyond. It is Australia's largest anti-bullying event for schools, giving schools and students the opportunity to promote their own anti-bullying messages and programs to their community. Schools are encouraged to participate in the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence by registering at the Bullying. No Way! website.

If a parent or caregiver notices a child is being bullied, they should start by talking to the child's school. If your child has any evidence of the bullying (such as emails, text messages or physical signs) take these to the meeting with the school. If there has already been attempts to communicate with the school and the problem is persisting, contact the state or territory education authority, who can then investigate.

A child experiencing bullying may find it helpful to look through the Bullying. No Way! and Student Well-being Hub websites which provide coping strategies and opportunities to share their experiences with others who may have faced the same situations.

Cyber safety
Online safety is an important issue for schools and families. There are various Government cyber bullying initiatives that provide information for students, teachers, parents and the community on creating safe online environments.

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner is an Australian in online safety resource that assists young people to have safe and positive experiences online. This also encourages behavioural change to help ensure a generation of Australian children who can act responsibly online.

The Student Well-being Hub also provides information about cyber bullying.

Sexuality
Students who identify as being LGBTQ+ can often find it difficult to tell their friends and family about themselves. This could lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and worry as they try to remain true to themselves.

Beyond Blue
Beyond Blues mission is to equip everyone in Australia with the knowledge and skills to protect their own mental health and the confidence to support those around them. The idea is to break the barriers that prevent people from speaking up and getting people to talk openly about depression, anxiety, and suicide. This is taken very seriously as there are three million Australians currently experiencing anxiety or depression, and eight people taking their own lives everyday.

The website provides information on various areas such as depression, anxiety, and depression. This can help people to understand these issues. Beyond Blue is not targeted at any specific age or gender, there is information for young and older people, men and women, multi cultural, LGBTI, and there is also information for pregnancy and early parenthood. The information provided can help anyone who needs support. There are articles and discussions from people who have experienced the same issues. There are several options for contacting Beyond Blue such as phoning their 24/7 support line, 1300 22 4636. For those who would prefer to message, they have an online chat which is available from 3pm - 12am 7 days a week. There is also an email and online forums available.

KidsMatter
Australian Student Well-being Frameworke called KidsMatter which is a whole-school approach to children’s mental health and well being for primary schools. KidsMatter has been developed by beyondblue, the Australian Psychological Society , and Principals Australia, with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. The program has been designed to help children understand mental health, its significance, and also strategies on how to cope.

MindMatters
MindMatters is an Australian mental health program for secondary schools with the purpose of improving the mental health and well being of young people. The content has been informed by strong evidence from the area of mental health and well being in the school setting.

Teachers have access to these resources and can implement relevant and easy to understand mental health strategies for students. MindMatters offers online resources, face-to-face events, webinars and support.

ReachOut
ReachOut is a resource that is based on the latest evidence that teachers can use to help promote, and get students thinking about their mental health and well being. The resources are designed to be flexible and interactive. Topics available can range from exam stress, bullying, and learning how to build resilience.

World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day occurs on October 10 each year. It is a day that is designed for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy. There is a different theme of awareness each year, chosen by the World Federation of Mental Health. In 2017 the theme was workplace mental health, and in 2018 was on young people's mental health. There remains to be an issue in Australia around mental illness due to misunderstandings which may prevent people from feeling and/or wanting to seek help. They may be seen as 'incompetent' or 'weak', these misconceptions can be damaging on peoples lives. However, with the right support and treatment, the vast majority of people affected by mental illness can lead independent lives.

Whilst mental health problems can affect anyone at anytime, awareness days are positive for allowing a conversation and coming together to show support for those who may be struggling.

Australian Student Well-being Framework
The minister for Education, the Hon Dan Tehan MP launched the Australian Student Well-being Framework on 19 October 2018. The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework is a document that provides Australian schools with a set of leading standards to support school communities to create positive learning environments. The framework provides school communities with advice on developing and implementing policies to support students. Key topics in the framework include healthy minds and bodies, protecting against bullying, respecting diversity, building positive relationships, safe and responsible choices, and being safe online.