KidsMatter primary is all about children's mental health and wellbeing. We know that being mentally healthy is vital for learning and for leading a rewarding life. KidsMatter is a way for schools to nurture, happy balanced kids through mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention activity and planning.
KidsMatter is not a program. It is a flexible framework with a whole school approach that helps schools to build protective factors and reduce risk factors that research has shown can make a difference to students' mental health and wellbeing.
KidsMatter focuses on creating positive school communities that support the mental health and wellbeing of every member of the school community.
There are four interrelated components of KidsMatter:
- Positive school community.
- Social and emotional learning for students.
- Working with parents and carers.
- Helping children with mental health difficulties.
Other tips and hints can also be found at the KidsMatter website.
Positive school community
In a positive school community, every face has a place, every voice is valued, and everyone has something to contribute.
Evidence of a positive school community is one in which people are connected with each other, all people's needs are being met, and they are involved in meaningful ways. Research confirms that a positive school community promotes children's mental health and wellbeing. Children who are mentally healthy will be able to enjoy and benefit from family life, relationships and educational opportunities, as well as to contribute to society in age-appropriate ways. They will also be in a better position to adapt to change and cope with life's stressors. Mentally healthy students arrive at school ready to learn and are more likely to achieve success.
KidsMatter component 1 - target areas
1. A school community that promotes mental health and wellbeing
- School staff understand the importance of mental health and wellbeing, its impact on learning, and the significant contributions schools can make to improving student mental health.
- School staff have an understanding of their school community.
2. Respectful relationships, belonging and inclusion
- School staff expect and model respectful and responsive relationships within the school community.
- Belonging and inclusion for all school community members is specifically addressed in school strategic planning and practices.
- The school environment and communication reflects the diversity of the school community.
- School leadership and staff create opportunities for students, staff, families and the wider community to be involved in a range of school activities and contribute to school planning.