World first plan to improve children’s mental health unveiled

Experts are demanding Australia’s child mental health system be flipped on its head, saying it’s failing many kids.

An overhaul of Australia’s child mental health system is needed to combat an alarming surge of problems exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

That’s the findings of a new landmark federal government strategy, being unveiled on Tuesday, to support the wellbeing of children aged 0-12, and their families.

Experts are demanding the approach to mental health be flipped on its head saying children should not need a diagnosis to access support.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australia needed a system that was well-designed, comprehensive and nationally consistent, so children could achieve their full potential.

“Caring for the mental health and wellbeing of our younger children, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, is critical,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

“This strategy shows us how, and will be crucial to our current ongoing reform of the mental health and suicide prevention system.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt says the government has been investing in additional mental health support. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Prevention and early intervention are at the centre of the plan, which aims to prevent children from becoming unwell later in life.

Experts want to achieve this by teaching kids about mental health and equipping them with coping strategies.

“The service system needs to respond better to increases in the prevalence of mental health problems in Australian children, compounded by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” the strategy states.

“A child needs a diagnosis of mental illness before they can get help, meaning children have to be unwell before they can access treatment.

“Children should be able to get help when they are beginning to struggle.”

The strategy recommends improving the mental health literacy of parents and so they can better support their child.

Schools would also be required to have a wellbeing plan and designated staff member.

Expanding access to telehealth and ensuring services are suitable for different cultures was also recommended.

Kids in Victoria have spent months out of the classroom.

David Coleman, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, said half of all adult mental health challenges emerge before the age of 14. Yet few children below the age of 12 receive professional support.

“As a nation, we need to acknowledge this and do everything we can to change it. Our government is committed to the task,” Mr Coleman said.

The National Mental Health Commission developed the strategy with support from an expert advisory group.

The document is being heralded as a world first because no other government plan has considered the mental health and wellbeing of children, their families and communities.

Chief executive Christine Morgan said the strategy proposes a fundamental, cultural shift in the way we think about the mental health and wellbeing of children.