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Student wellbeing

One in four young people in Australia experience mental health difficulties and 70 percent of those don’t seek help. These experiences of mental health impact students’ wellbeing and engagement at school, with teachers playing a critical role in helping students to recognise the need to seek help and access support. Equally critical are activities in school environments to support students’ wellbeing and build their resilience, ensuring they have the skills to handle whatever life throws at them, including mental health issues.

ReachOut’s wellbeing resources are designed by professionals to help students identify how they are feeling right now, learn how to take a proactive approach to their mental health and also how to seek help if they need it.

These resources have been designed to help teachers learn more about student mental health and wellbeing and cover topics including resilience, mindsets and positive psychology.

Use ReachOut Schools student wellbeing resources as a guide to supporting all students, both students struggling with their mental health and those who are currently happy and well. Further support students by teaching students about resilience, bullying and respectful relationships.

Part 1: Understanding school refusal

School refusal is a complex issue that impacts many students and their families. In Part 1 of our school refusal series, we unpack what school refusal is, including its signs, causes and impacts.

Part 2: Practical strategies for dealing with school refusal

In Part 2 of our school refusal series, we look into some practical strategies and resources for dealing with school refusal, in a way that empowers educators to put the student at the centre.

Helping students to get better sleep

Sleep is crucial for students. Find out how much they need, what can cause sleep issues, and strategies you can use to help them improve their sleep.

How to help students manage disappointing results

Read our guide on helping students manage disappointing results, and supporting them to see failure as a key part of their learning journey.

Supporting LGBTQIA+ young people

Get tips to help support your LGBTQIA+ students.

Building a positive learning environment through positive psychology

Positive psychology aims to build a person’s strengths to help them cope with life’s challenges.

How to support new high school students

Starting high school can be a challenging time for students. Here’s how teachers can help to ensure that students have a positive experience.

What is resilience?

Resilience is considered a characteristic of people who are professionally successful or have things ‘all figured out’. But what is resilience, why is it important and how can it be taught?

Why it’s important to understand students’ needs and interests

Taking the time to get to know your students as individuals can make you a more effective and impactful teacher.

teacher talking to two students in classroom

10 tips for a safe and respectful classroom

Creating school environments where everyone feels safe, supported and respected is essential in reducing bullying in schools.

Creating a smooth transition: Tips for teachers

The transition to secondary school, when done well, can be a key contributor to a student’s developing a strong sense of self and a positive self-identity, as well as fostering broader aspects of success.

How teachers can get the most out of ReachOut's Student Snapshot

Student Snapshot surveys are quick for teachers to set up and simple for students to complete. Find out how best to use Student Snapshot with your cohort.

Students sit at table with workbooks concentrating

Preventing bullying in schools

Bullying can seem like a teacher’s greatest challenge, but it can also present opportunities to promote growth, solidarity and unity within the school community.

Two boys in school uniforms walking and smiling

Mindsets

Mindsets are a series of self perceptions or beliefs people have about themselves. Here we explore mindsets and how to support young people in developing a mindset for improving resilience.

Close up of boy with hat talking to youth worker

Wellbeing and resilience

Wellbeing and resilience are important in potentially preventing the onset of and lessening the severity of existing mental health problems.

Girl with yellow cup talking to parents in kitchen

Relationships

Relationships are rewarding and stressful at times. It is important young people can cope with personal relationships. Relationships can influence physical health, promote self-esteem and a sense of belonging.

Smiling Mind in your classroom

Looking for an innovative approach to introducing mindfulness in your classroom? Smiling Mind is a web and app-based tool does just that!

Girl in red checked shirt sitting in park

Mindfulness in the classroom

Learn more about mindfulness and tips for introducing it to your classroom.

Positive emotions and positive psychology

Positive emotions such as amusement, pride and gratitude can help make your classroom a great learning environment.

Boy with striped sweater and girl in lecture

Engagement and positive psychology

When students are engaged in their work, they’re more focused and achieve better learning outcomes. Learn about how to encourage engagement in the classroom.

Girl in denim jacket hugging friend in kitchen

Relationships and positive psychology

Relationships are complex, but positive relationships can help create a safe learning environment.

Meaning and positive psychology

Students who understand what is important to them will better appreciate the importance of their education.

Achievement and positive psychology

Helping students to identify and pursue goals that are important to them will give them a sense of accomplishment.

Connecting with students in the online classroom

Learn how to maintain and strengthen your relationships with students in an online environment.

Having quality conversations with students

Read our tips for teaches on having quality conversations with students.

ReachOut WorryTime

ReachOut WorryTime is a worry management app for decreasing worry and anxiety. Learn more on how to use it to support your students.

Using ReachOut's Online Community

ReachOut's Online Community is a moderated peer-support community for young people aged 14-25 years in Australia. Free, anonymous and available 24/7, it's a safe space where young people can share their experiences, learn from others and support each other.

Students going online for help

Students are seeking help online for a variety of reasons. As a teacher, you still play a vital role in their mental health journey.

Creating a supportive learning environment

A safe and supportive classroom environment facilitates active participation and increased engagement of all students.

Referring to ReachOut.com

Referring to ReachOut.com is often a good first step in helping young people understand and cope with emerging mental health difficulties.