A new approach to the youth mental health crisis

A new digital tool aiming to provide local schools with the information they need to better understand the mental health and wellbeing of their students is being rolled out across Australia.

Designed by internationally recognised youth mental health experts at Macquarie University and funded by the federal government, My Mind Check is a free platform that enables schools to perform 10-15 minute check-ins on their students throughout the year.

The check-ins are suitable for all age groups and track students’ mood, stress levels and overall mental health and wellbeing over time, helping to identify whether they may benefit from further attention.

The platform then provides curated resources to teachers and caregivers to help them better understand and support their students wellbeing needs, as well as information on external programs that could assist students experience mental health challenges and information designed for the students themselves.

My Mind Check director Dr Lauren McLellan said the tool will transform the way we approach and understand mental health in schools.

“Providing a resource that encourages self-reflection and supports individuals to understand their mental health is a significant step forward in prioritising student mental health and wellbeing,” she said.

Research shows mental health concerns are on the rise among young people, with one in seven Australian children experiencing mental health difficulties at any given time.

Jenny Branch-Allen, president of the Australian Parents Council, said teachers are under immense pressure and are often not equipped or confident in providing students with mental health support alone.

“The need for mental health support in schools is urgent, with some students waiting up to two or three years for external help. That’s far too long to wait,” she said.

“My Mind Check is part of the solution we’ve been calling for – it’s ready to go and we applaud the government for backing this valuable resource.”

Youth mental health professor and My Mind Check lead scientific advisor Dr Ron Rapee said these check-ins can provide a vital first step for students to initiate conversations and prevent them slipping through the cracks.

“Our research shows that students who participate in these check-ins not only feel more supported but also report significant improvements in mental health a year later, including reduced school absences and fewer mental health challenges,” he said.

He acknowledged that some students and their families may have privacy concerns about the tool, which is why My Mind Check is entirely voluntary.

“Unlike anonymous online resources that students may not know exist, check-ins in schools ensure no one is left behind,” Dr Rapee said.

“My Mind Check empowers schools with the scaffolding and guidelines they need to act effectively. It’s about creating a support system that ensure every student has access to help if and when they need it.

“They can engage and share their concerns safely or chose not to engage at all. Furthermore, for those who want support but don’t know how to ask, this technology facilitates that conversation in a secure and approachable way.”

For more information, head to mymindcheck.org.au