Overview
Alignment with Be You Domains
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Mentally Healthy Communities
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Learning Resilience
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Early Support
Alignment with Australian Curriculum
- Health and PE
- Technologies
Target audience
- Primary school
Target groups
- Whole class
Aims
Kids Helpline @ School offers lessons that are educational and interactive, connecting counsellors with primary schools across Australia via video conference. The program aims to increase students’ mental health literacy, digital citizenship and help-seeking behaviours to promote their online safety and general wellbeing.Program theory
The program is based on early intervention and prevention frameworks, and aligned to the General Capabilities of the Australian Curriculum.Topics
Topics cover being a school leader; bullying; developing resilience; friendship; managing emotions; peer pressure; safety; transition to high school; COVID-19: Strategies for coping; apps and gaming; balancing your tech time; being kind online; cyberbullying; introduction to Kids Helpline; online safety; and thinking about social media.Cost
Program structure
The program is delivered by professional, qualified and specialised staff (Kids Helpline Counsellors trained as facilitators) via a range of digital platforms directly into classrooms or remote learning locations. Sessions are interactive and include a mix of child learning methods. While most sessions run for 45 to 60 minutes, sessions for younger grades may only run for 30 minutes. Schools can organise for every class to complete a session on a particular topic or for classes to run multiple topics. Pre-session consultations are also available.Instructor
Not provided
Instructor training
Mandatory training for instructors includes 6-month training to be inducted as a Kids Helpline Counsellor via STEP (Supervision, Training and Evaluation Program). A 3-month probationary period covers induction into technology, content manuals, risk-of-harm management procedure, rapport strategies and behavioural management strategies. The instructor training process also includes role-shadowing of trained facilitators.Supporting resources or materials available with program
- Manual
Other materials
Content manuals, technology manualsOngoing support
Undergoing monthly supervision as well as quarterly group supervision. Ongoing daily support from Program Manager on operational and content concerns. Weekly whole-group team meetings to discuss program and staffing needs, ideas and suggestions.Parent involvement
- Follow-up information provided after program
Origin of program
Australia
yourtown
Program authors
Georgia King, Stephanie Riddell, Karla Romero, Hannah Wilson, Jennifer Naylor
Ratings
Summary of evidence factors
This is a summary of the evaluation or research study characteristics that contribute to the program’s evidence rating.
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Positive impact on at least one outcome for children and/or young people?
The study reported positive outcomes. |
Yes |
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Link between program description and theory of change
Theory of change refers to whether there was a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. |
Some links |
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Study design
Type of study design reported. |
Pre-post cohort |
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Independence
The degree to which the program authors were involved in the research. |
None |
Summary of implementation factors
This is a summary of the program’s characteristics that contribute to its implementation rating.
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Feedback sought from participants
Participants enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
Yes |
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Feedback sought from instructors
Instructors enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
Yes |
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Groups program is not suitable for
Groups the program wouldn't be suitable for or that required further research to determine suitability. |
Not assessed |
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Training provided during study
The model of training provided. |
Face to face train-the-trainer in person |
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Ongoing instructor support provided during study
Whether ongoing support is provided. |
No |
Context
This is a summary of the context in which the evidence for the program was established.
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Study Participants
Pre school, primary school (Foundation to Year 6), secondary school (Years 7 to 12). |
Primary school |
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Country of Study/s
The location in which the evidence or research was conducted. |
Australia |
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Location of Study/s in Australia
The state (or states) the program was assessed in Australia. |
ACT NT SA VIC NSW QLD TAS WA |
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Evaluation of program in culturally and linguistically diverse populations
Provider has included culturally and linguistically diverse people when assessing the program. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
Provider has included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples when assessing the program. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in low socioeconomic groups
Program has evaluated a diverse socio-economic population in their research. |
Yes |
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Developmental based adaptations to program design and delivery
Shorter sessions for younger students or activities are adjusted for age appropriateness. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in children and young people with disability and/or learning difference
Provider has included participants with a disability or learning difference when assessing the program. |
Yes |
Last updated: 17 July 2023