Labor is urging the government to adopt its policy of employing mental health workers in every school to help students adapt as the COVID-19 crisis continues to affect their learning.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the impact on students' health and wellbeing must not be underestimated.
"With most Tasmanian students learning from home and continuing uncertainty over when schools will reopen fully, we need to plan for extra support to help students through this transition," Ms White said.
"A Federal Government-commissioned report on learning from home during the COVID-19 emergency noted the need for a targeted strategy of physical re-engagement at school to mitigate the negative impacts on learning.
"It recognised two key areas of focus – to diagnose and remediate any learning loss, and to pay due attention to student's health and wellbeing, particularly their mental health, during the readjustment phase.
"Before this crisis, there were already grave concerns around mental health support for young people, with early intervention known to be vital in protecting a young person's mental health.
"Labor's $40 million Mental Health Workers in Schools program would employ a range of mental health professionals including social workers, youth workers and psychologists.
"This is a tough time for everyone, but the government has an opportunity to put in place the right support mechanisms to help our young people deal with the many challenges they are facing.
"I urge the Premier to put politics aside and take on board a policy that has our students' best interests at heart."
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
