Australia's schools are facing a mental health crisis that's been years in the making. With rising rates of anxiety, depression, and behavioural challenges among students, our education system is struggling to keep up with demand for psychological support. The numbers paint a concerning picture: one in seven Australian children aged 4-17 experience a mental health disorder, yet many schools lack adequate psychological services to address these needs.
The situation has become so critical that education experts, mental health professionals, and families are calling for urgent action. But what's really happening in our schools, and what can families do while we wait for systemic change?
The Growing Mental Health Crisis in Australian Schools
Australian schools have seen a dramatic increase in students presenting with mental health challenges over the past five years. Teachers report more classroom disruptions, increased absenteeism, and students struggling to engage with learning due to anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues.
The COVID-19 pandemic amplified existing problems, with school closures, social isolation, and family stress creating a perfect storm for youth mental health issues. Even as we've returned to normal routines, the effects linger. Many students are still catching up emotionally and socially, while others developed new anxieties around school attendance and peer relationships.
Bullying remains a significant contributor to school-based mental health problems. Recent Australian research shows that students who experience bullying are at much higher risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression, and suicidal ideation. The rise of cyberbullying has made it even harder for students to escape negative experiences, as harassment can now follow them home through social media and messaging apps.
Early intervention is crucial – when mental health issues are identified and addressed quickly, students have much better outcomes. However, many schools simply don't have the resources to provide timely, comprehensive support.
Why Schools Need More Psychologists
The shortage of school psychologists in Australia mirrors global trends, but our situation has unique challenges. Many Australian schools rely on a combination of school counsellors, social workers, and visiting psychologists, but this patchwork approach often leaves gaps in service delivery.
Professional bodies recommend that schools have access to at least one full-time psychologist for every 500-700 students. In reality, many schools share psychological services across multiple campuses, meaning students may wait weeks or even months for an assessment or ongoing support.
School psychologists provide services that go far beyond traditional counselling. They conduct psychological assessments to identify learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorders, and ADHD. They develop behaviour support plans, work with families to address school refusal, and help teachers understand how mental health impacts learning.
Perhaps most importantly, school psychologists can spot early warning signs of serious mental health conditions and connect families with appropriate external services. They're often the first professionals to identify students who might benefit from NDIS support or need referrals to psychiatrists or specialist mental health services.
The benefits of having adequate psychological support in schools extend beyond individual students. Schools with better mental health services report improved classroom behaviour, reduced suspension rates, and better academic outcomes across the board. When students feel emotionally safe and supported, they're more likely to engage with learning and develop positive relationships with peers and teachers.
Government Response and Recent Developments
The Australian Government has recognised the urgency of this issue and announced significant funding increases for school-based mental health services in 2024-2025. The $100 million School Mental Health Package aims to place more mental health professionals in schools across the country, with priority given to disadvantaged communities and rural areas.
State governments have also stepped up their efforts. NSW has committed to placing wellbeing coordinators in all public schools by 2026, while Victoria has expanded its mental health practitioner program. Queensland has invested in training teachers to better identify and respond to student mental health needs.
However, experts warn that funding alone isn't enough – we also need more qualified professionals. Psychology training programs are expanding, but it takes years to train a psychologist, and many graduates choose private practice over school-based roles due to better pay and working conditions.
Recent research from Australian universities has highlighted the importance of trauma-informed approaches in schools. Many students experiencing mental health challenges have histories of trauma, family violence, or other adverse experiences. Schools that train their staff in trauma-informed practices see significant improvements in student engagement and behaviour.
The National Mental Health Commission's 2025 report emphasised that schools are often the first point of contact for families struggling with mental health issues. This makes the role of school psychologists even more critical – they're not just supporting students, but often connecting entire families with appropriate services.
What Families Can Do Right Now
While we wait for systemic improvements, families can take practical steps to support their children's mental health and work effectively with schools.
Communicate openly with your child about their school experiences. Create regular opportunities for conversation – perhaps during car rides or at bedtime – when your child might feel more comfortable sharing concerns. Look out for changes in behaviour, sleep patterns, or enthusiasm about school activities.
Build a positive relationship with school staff. Get to know your child's teacher, year coordinator, and any wellbeing staff. Share relevant information about your child's needs, but also highlight their strengths and interests. When schools understand your family's situation, they're better equipped to provide appropriate support.
Advocate for your child when necessary. If you're concerned about your child's mental health or wellbeing at school, don't hesitate to request a meeting with relevant staff. Ask about available support services and waiting times for psychological assessments. If your child needs additional support, work with the school to develop a plan.
Consider external support. While you're waiting for school-based services, consider accessing community mental health services, private psychologists, or family support programs. Many psychologists offer Medicare rebates, making sessions more affordable for families.
Teach coping strategies at home. Help your child develop healthy ways to manage stress and difficult emotions. This might include deep breathing exercises, physical activity, creative outlets, or mindfulness practices. Model good mental health habits yourself – children learn more from what they see than what they're told.
Stay informed about bullying and cybersafety. Talk to your child about their online experiences and help them understand how to respond to bullying. Report serious incidents to the school and keep records of what's happened. Many schools have specific anti-bullying policies and procedures that can be activated when needed.
Connect with other parents. Building relationships with other families can provide valuable support and information. Parent networks often share insights about school services, local mental health resources, and strategies that work for different children.
Supporting Your Child's Emotional Development
Beyond addressing immediate concerns, families play a crucial role in building their children's emotional resilience. This means helping them develop skills to cope with challenges, build positive relationships, and maintain good mental health throughout their lives.
Encourage your child to develop interests and hobbies outside of academic achievement. Sports, music, art, or community volunteering can provide positive experiences and build self-esteem. These activities also offer opportunities to connect with peers who share similar interests.
Help your child understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Talk about mental health in the same way you'd discuss physical health – as something that needs attention and care. This reduces stigma and makes it more likely that your child will reach out when they're struggling.
The Path Forward
The mental health crisis in our schools won't be solved overnight, but there's reason for optimism. Increased government funding, growing awareness of the issue, and improved training for education professionals are all positive developments.
What's needed now is sustained commitment from all levels of government, continued advocacy from families and professionals, and a recognition that investing in student mental health benefits our entire community.
For families dealing with school-related mental health challenges, remember that you're not alone. While the system has gaps, there are people and services available to help. Start with your child's school, but don't hesitate to seek additional support when needed.
The wellbeing of our children is too important to leave to chance. By working together – families, schools, mental health professionals, and governments – we can create educational environments where all students have the support they need to thrive.
If you're concerned about your child's mental health or need professional support, Psychology NSW offers comprehensive services for children, adolescents, and families. Our experienced psychologists understand the unique challenges facing students today and can provide practical, evidence-based support to help your child succeed both at school and beyond.
