Student wellbeing

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Student wellbeing

HomeSchool resourcesStudent wellbeing

Topic summary

Wellbeing and good mental health are essential to students’ engagement and achievement at school.

Mental health and wellness is a spectrum, ranging from a state of wellness to significant ill health.

The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, rather than merely the absence of disease or infirmity. An important implication of this definition is that mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities, but the presence of a state of holistic wellbeing and the ability to respond flexibly to challenges. 

Recent research from countries like New Zealand shows that fewer young people than ever rate their wellbeing and mental health as good. Teachers are an important part of supporting students with their wellbeing and mental health. Supportive relationships with teachers are associated with student wellbeing, and teachers may often be the first to notice signs of difficulty, such as changes in behaviour or academic performance. As trusted adults who know students well, teachers can also play an important role in bridging the gap to formal support.

Research consistently demonstrates that declines in mental health impact school performance, and that strong, trusting relationships with teachers are associated with student wellbeing. Research into the causes of mental health and wellbeing issues has identified common themes, including academic and other stress, and the challenges of navigating relationships and complex social dynamics.

Schools are essential both to promoting wellbeing and to a functional mental health response for students. Building strong, trusting relationships between teachers and students is one of the best  ways to promote wellbeing across the school. All schools should also have relevant policies and processes in place to ensure consistent resourcing for promoting wellbeing and mental health, and to set out appropriate responses when students experience challenges or distress.  Teachers should be alert to potential warning signs of possible mental health decline such as changes in behaviour or academic performance, as intervening early and supporting students is essential for their wellbeing. The earlier support is offered, the more likely schools and teachers are to have a positive impact on the student.

  • How can I build strong, trusting relationships with students?
  • What are my school’s policies on student mental health and wellbeing?
  • Who can I talk to at my school for further support if I am concerned about a student’s wellbeing? What other resources are available?
  • What are the relevant external services and agencies in my area?

Research reviews

Understanding mental health and wellbeing in intermediate and lower secondary school students

Guidance on how to support the mental health and wellbeing of students aged 11-15.

Mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent students

Understanding the additional mental health needs of neurodivergent students.

Understanding mental health and wellbeing in upper secondary school students

A closer look at the specific mental health and wellbeing needs of students in their upper teens.

Webinars

Providing effective student mental health support and avoiding teacher burnout

Researcher and medical doctor Dr Chris Jenson discusses his research into providing effective mental health and wellbeing support for students by embedding it into existing curricula and learning programmes

All children deserve (gender) affirmation

Dr And Pasley discusses why all children deserve to be affirmed for who they are and how gender affirmation might become a space where teachers and students can unpack differences in the classroom and support all children to explore how they want to be in the world

Supporting student mental health and wellbeing

Dr Jess Stubbing shares her expertise as both a researcher and Clinical Psychologist to help teachers and schools know how they can best support student mental health and wellbeing

Infographics

Snapshots

Prioritising wellbeing in schools

Key insights from a webinar with Dr Chris Jenson.

Gender affirmation and why it is important for all students

Key insights from a webinar with Dr Ampersand Pasley.

How to support effective emotion regulation in schools and classrooms

Key insights from the webinar with Dr Tracy Stewart.

The importance of belonging and connection to student mental health

Key insights from the webinar with clinical psychologist Dr Jess Stubbing on supporting students' mental health and wellbeing.

Preventive mental health: An impactful and practical approach for schools

An introduction to a new approach to supporting students' mental health within learning programmes.
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