Student welfare

Each year Mission Australia’s Youth Survey asks teenagers about their views and experiences – providing a snapshot of the challenges they face and hopes for the future. For the first time, respondents included younger students (14-year-olds) and new questions on their feelings about school. This infographic shares some of the findings.

In today’s Leadership Q&A, River Nile School Principal Charles Hertzog shares what makes his school community unique, how the context shapes his leadership priorities, and how he brings teachers, wellbeing staff, and external agencies into a shared vision.

The new ‘water classroom’ at All Saints’ College in Western Australia is designed to bring curriculum, culture and wellbeing together in one place. In today’s photo story, we learn more about the physical space, how it encourages students to engage with their natural environment, and the impact on their mental health and wellbeing. 

‘When educators understand how stress affects the brain and nervous system, they gain practical ways to support learning, behaviour and wellbeing – for students and themselves.’ From 13-15 March, the Holistic Life Foundation will host its Trauma-Informed Yoga and Mindfulness Certification in Melbourne. The 3-day professional learning experience is designed specifically for teachers, school leaders and system-level decision makers.

Age restrictions preventing under-16s in Australia from creating or keeping accounts on major social media platforms come into force today. The responsibility rests with platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to take ‘reasonable steps’ to comply. We look at how teachers can help students and families navigate the change, what the legislation means for schools, and resources out there to support educators.

What strategies do you have to smooth the transition for children in their first year of formal schooling? Students feeling like they belong at school is a key factor, and new research has uncovered what makes young students feel like they belong at school. 

As the implementation of social media legislation for under-16s draws closer, many young people are feeling confused, anxious and unsettled. Here, Danni Rowlands from the Butterfly Foundation discusses what to expect from the incoming changes, the concerns already voiced by young people, how it all connects to body image, and why educators are uniquely positioned to support students through the changes.

Have you asked your students if they can see the writing on the board, in their own textbooks, or on devices clearly? Here, optometrists Amanda Lea and Rebecca Dang share common eye-related behaviours to look out for in the classroom and practical teacher tips for encouraging good visual behaviours at school. 

As a school leader, organising your school timetable might be a task you’re beginning to turn your mind to as we look ahead to the 2026 school year. In this article, we speak to 2 principals trialling major changes to their school calendar – one by moving to an 8-term model, and the other by introducing a 4-day learning week. 

Many female teachers are reporting increased challenges to their authority and expertise with students echoing language from online influencers. It's linked to a growing online movement known as the Manosphere. Here we unpack what the Manosphere is, why it’s seeping into classrooms, and what schools can do in response.