The Thistle - An E-Newsletter of Scotch College, Perth, Western Australia

Report Card On Health And Wellbeing

In December 2017 the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth released a 'report card' on the wellbeing of young Australians, its third in recent years. It provides international comparisons showing areas of success - and challenge - for child and youth wellbeing. See more here.

It notes that mental health is a growing issue for young Australians. The report highlights increases in the percentage of young people experiencing high levels of psychological distress, increases in the percentage of 15 to 19 year olds with probable serious mental illness, and an increase in youth suicide rates.

While not all the news is bad (both youth violence and smoking and drug use are down), the statistics point again to the vital role of schools in preparing young people for life by addressing mental health and wellbeing needs.

Ms Shauna Lipscombe
Senior School Psychologist