KidsMatter

KidsMatter aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children, reduce mental health problems amongst children, and achieve greater support for children experiencing mental health difficulties, and their families.

It includes KidsMatter Early Childhood, designed for implementation in preschools and long day care; and KidsMatter Primary, designed for implementation in Australian primary schools.

Each initiative involves the people who have a significant influence on children’s lives – parents, carers, families, child care professionals, teachers and community groups – in making a positive difference for children’s mental health.

The KidsMatter Primary Programs Guide has been developed to assist schools in making informed decisions about appropriate and effective school mental health programs.

There are numerous mental health and wellbeing programs available for primary school students each targeting different concerns or issues that may arise in schools. Some programs are classroom-based and intended for all students. Others focus on specific issues and are intended to be provided to small groups of students. Other programs may focus on staff development and learning to support a positive school culture and community.

The KidsMatter Primary Programs Guide provides schools with information about available programs and, where available, their documented effectiveness in order to help schools select quality programs that address the particular needs of their students.