The Allan Labor Government is supporting the mental health of young people – with new resources in schools to help students, teachers and parents navigate the impacts of social media and screentime.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced new ScrollSafe resources – designed to help secondary school students look after their mental health and stay safe online – will now be available at schools across the education state.
Developed by Orygen, the resources assist young people stay in control of their time online and make sure it is supporting their mental health. A dedicated online hub will give students simple, practical advice through a 10 tips guide, supported by a student booklet, take-home flyer and digital wellbeing plan to help them make positive choices.
The resources will also aid teachers in having conversations with students about social media and youth mental health. Parents and carers will be supported with practical resources to help guide their teen's online behaviour. A dedicated parent hub will include clear information, engaging videos and tips on helping families starting conversions about social media, online safety and mental health.
ScrollSafe resources build on existing wellbeing and digital literacy programs, are optional for schools, and don't create any new requirements.
They are available through the Government's $3.5 million Safe Socials program – which provides digital literacy resources to support families and schools ensure young people stay safe and have positive experiences online.
These resources build on the government's investment, including in the Mental Health in Primary Schools program – delivered in partnership with the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the University of Melbourne – which is helping children build stronger emotional skills, feel more connected to schools, attend more regularly and develop better social skills.
The program has reduced mental health stigma among school staff and families, with the final group of schools will be welcomed into the Mental Health in Primary Schools program at the start of 2026.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"We're making sure every young person has the tools to navigate social media safety and confidently, with support from their teachers, families and school community."
"Our record investment in student mental health is delivering real results and we are supporting a new generation of mentally healthy students that are also great learning students."
