Govt tasks Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to research children’s wellbeing

Aussie kids have returned to the classroom post-Covid anxious and having lost skills like “taking turns” and “sharing spaces”, teachers say. Now, NSW has hired a research team to investigate.

Concerns children have returned to school after lockdown anxious – even losing skills such as “taking turns” – has prompted the NSW government to task a team of world-leading child health researchers to come up with solutions.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the Perrottet government has partnered with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to help develop social and emotional support measures that can be introduced into primary schools.

Established in 1986, the Institute represents more than 1400 researchers – including clinicians – who are working on discoveries to prevent and treat childhood conditions.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Institute will conduct a study before proposing a suite of new social and wellbeing initiatives to be introduced into schools.

“The unprecedented challenges of the past few years have certainly been tough and we’ve heard from teachers and parents right across our state how they’ve noticed an impact on student capacity to focus, social interactions and general happiness,” Mr Perrottet said.

A female teacher sits consoling a young student in the corridor, the little girl looks very upset and holds her head in her hands.

“This research is vital to find the best ways of providing support in our schools.”

Paediatrician and Institute Co-Group Leader Policy and Equity Professor Sharon Goldfeld said the Institute would conduct a pilot study with data to be gathered via interviews with older children and the parents of younger children.

“Schools have always been a lot more than just learning,” Prof Goldfeld said.

“There is the social aspect, peer development and emotional wellbeing.”

“Tracking student wellbeing will provide students, families, educators and policy makers with an understanding of how they are feeling and coping and help to inform appropriate responses at both the school and sector levels.”

NSW Primary Principals Association president Robyn Evans said teachers had noticed that since post-Covid, many younger children had returned to school suffering from anxiety.

Post-Covid, teachers have noticed students are struggling.

Paediatrician and Institute Co-Group Leader Policy and Equity Professor Sharon Goldfeld.

Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell the Government had made significant investments into health and wellbeing support services in high school over the past few years.

She said it was important the same high calibre of support was offered in primary schools.

“We need to think holistically, whether that’s introducing student support officers into every primary school classroom or helping schools make better choices about wellbeing programs they offer to their students – there are endless possibilities,” Ms Mitchell said.

NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell with school students. Picture: Dylan Robinson

The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute was established by paediatrician Professor David Danks with the support of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.

Internationally renowned model, television presenter and mother, Sarah Murdoch is Institute co-chair of the Board of Directors and a Global Ambassador.

The Institute is expected to complete its work into children’s wellbeing by February next year.