Frequently asked questions
- Why is the government investing in KidsMatter Primary?
- What funding is the government committing to this initiative?
- What is KidsMatter Primary?
- Who benefits from KidsMatter Primary?
- How does KidsMatter Primary work?
- What is the evidence to support KidsMatter Primary?
- How many schools are currently involved in the KidsMatter Primary?
Why is the government investing in KidsMatter Primary?
The mental health and wellbeing of Australian children is an important and legitimate concern of the government. Research has shown that many mental health problems among adults have their origins in childhood. A child in good mental health is more likely to form and maintain positive relationships, engage in their schooling and achieve academic success as well as greater success later in life.
It is estimated that one in seven children of primary school age have a mental health difficulty, the most common difficulties being depression, anxiety, hyperactivity and aggression. There is a solid body of evidence indicating that helping children develop social and emotional skills, including resilience, leads to better mental health. In addition, if children experiencing mental health difficulties are identified early and supported, they will be less likely to have poor mental health outcomes as adults.
What funding is the government committing to this initiative?
On 5 October 2009, the Minister announced funding of $12.2 million (GST inclusive) over three years to allow the expansion of the original pilot program.
Under the recently announced Taking Action to Tackle Suicide package the Australian Government will invest $18.4 million over four years from 2010-11 which will enable KidsMatter Primary to be expanded to a further 1700 primary schools by June 2014.
What is KidsMatter Primary?
KidsMatter Primary helps schools implement evidence-based mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention strategies. KidsMatter Primary concentrates on four key areas aimed at improving student wellbeing and lessening the likelihood of children developing mental health difficulties.
The four areas are:
- Component 1: A positive school community
- Component 2: Social and emotional learning for students
- Component 3: Working with parents and carers
- Component 4: Helping children experiencing mental health difficulties.
Who benefits from KidsMatter Primary?
Evidence from the pilot program suggests all children benefited from participation, particularly those experiencing mental health difficulties. There were also positive outcomes for parents and school staff.
How does KidsMatter Primary work?
KidsMatter Primary requires a planned and coordinated approach throughout the school, involving all the staff and engaging parents, carers and the school community.
To begin with each school establishes an Action Team to plan and oversee the implementation of KidsMatter Primary. These teams are supported by people with mental health expertise who provide training for staff so they can implement strategies in each of the four key areas.
Students are taught social and emotional skills, such as managing their emotions, making and keeping friends, and being able to cope with change. At the same time teachers, parents and carers consider information on child development and appropriate ways of responding to a child who is experiencing mental health difficulties.
A range of resources are made available, including information packs on a range of child development and mental health topics and an e-newsletter and website.
What is the evidence to support KidsMatter Primary?
There was an external evaluation funded by beyondblue. It found KidsMatter Primary had a positive impact on children, school staff, parents and carers. This included improvements to student mental health and wellbeing such as increased optimism and coping skills, and reduced mental health difficulties such as emotional symptoms, hyperactivity, conduct and peer problems. Teachers and parents also reported they were better equipped to help those students experiencing mental health difficulties.
The KidsMatter Primary Evaluation Report (PDF, 635KB) is available on the KidsMatter Primary and beyondblue websites.
How many schools are currently involved in the KidsMatter Primary?
The participating schools page on the KidsMatter Primary website lists all current KidsMatter schools including the 101 schools from the pilot conducted in 2007-08. As new schools commit to KidsMatter Primary they too are added to the website. Partnerships are currently underway with school systems in every state and territory to support the rollout of KidsMatter Primary to more schools across the country.
Planning is also underway for a nationwide calendar of free professional development events for schools and teachers in central locations and telephone and online support to assist in the implementation of KidsMatter Primary (view participating schools).
