Mental health support

All educators at your early learning service or school should be familiar with a common language and strategy that children and young people can use if they’re experiencing a mental health issue or condition. A whole-service or whole-school culture can encourage help-seeking behaviour among children and young people in these situations.

Research shows strong links between mental health issues and conditions, behaviour, and attendance and academic performance. And as part of growing community awareness, as an educator, you may recognise these links.

You’re not responsible for providing mental health diagnoses, assessment or treatment. But it’s important to be aware of your obligations and duty of care if you have concerns about a child or young person’s mental health – and about how to collaborate with your colleagues to address those concerns.