Supporting wellbeing and staying safe
All children and young people have the right to feel safe. For tips on how to stay safe and happy and information about services that can support you, check out the following fact sheets:
It’s also important for you to know how to look out for your wellbeing. One way to feel calm, happy and less stressed is to include activities into your daily routine that support wellbeing. For examples of what you could do, check out this
wellbeing activities for students booklet.
Looking out for your mental health
It is normal to feel stressed, sad, angry, worried or down sometimes—especially during times of uncertainty or following a traumatic event. There are many things that you can do to support your mental health, including:
- getting regular exercise
- doing things you enjoy
- doing
activities that support your wellbeing
- eating healthy and nutritious food
- getting enough sleep.
But sometimes, even if you are doing everything you can to look after your mental health, you still don’t feel good, and you may want some extra help. It is important to know how and when to ask for help if you need some additional support.
Support at school
Teachers and other staff at your school care about your wellbeing and want you to be happy and well. If you are not feeling great, talk to a trusted teacher outside of class time or arrange a time to talk to your guidance officer. Your guidance officer is there to provide advice and support about whatever is troubling you and can also help you access mental health support outside of school to help you feel better.
Support outside of school
Sometimes, you may wish to talk about how you are feeling with someone who you do not already know. Or you may feel more comfortable talking about what is going on in your life over the phone or online while you are at home.
There are many trusted organisations that are specifically available to support children and young people’s mental health. Whatever is going on in your life, you can talk to someone who cares and will help you to feel better. View the links below to find out more about each organisation and how to get in touch.
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Kids Helpline provides information and advice for children and young people. This site is linked to the telephone counselling service.
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Say NO to Bullying (login required) provides information for students on bullies and their victims, and a range of useful links.
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Bullying. No way! provides a range of useful information to assist students create a learning environment where every student and school community member is safe, supported, respected, valued and free from bullying, violence, harassment and discrimination.
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eheadspace is a confidential and free online service where young people aged 12 to 25 can talk to a qualified youth mental health professional. eheadspace can help with a broad range of issues like bullying, drug and alcohol issues, depression and anxiety, relationships, concerns about friends, fitting in and isolation.
Looking after yourself following a traumatic event
Looking after your own wellbeing and mental health is especially important following a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, pandemic or violent act. Traumatic events can be scary, confusing and can impact the way you act, think or feel. Some reactions are really common and get better over time but sometimes you may feel like you need some extra help to get things back on track. The following resources, along with the support options in and outside of school, may help you to look after yourself during and after a traumatic event.