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A unique program designed for schools to improve mental health achieved the best results, increasing student awareness and reducing stigma, new research has found.
The study, led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), found that the Decode Mental Health and Wellbeing Program improved mental health literacy and reduced stigma, with more than half of teachers seeing significant improvements in student wellbeing. It turned out that it did. The findings will be published in the Australian Education Researcher.
Decode, the flagship program of digital health studio Matterworks, was developed and delivered in partnership with EdTech company Education Perfect, and with input from researchers at MCRI, uses evidence-backed health information to has created a valuable opportunity to widen the discussion on mental health. and convert it into an easy-to-understand video format.
Entertainment-style videos featuring TV, TikTok, and sports stars are presented in a fun and engaging way, with relatable real-life stories that explain mental health issues and provide practical solutions.
A pilot study evaluated Decode in five primary and secondary schools in Victoria. The study, published in The Australian Educational Researcher, found that 67% of students and 86% of teachers reported active participation in the program.
Decode noted that it increased students’ mental health literacy by 7% by giving them tools to manage stress and anxiety, cope with challenges, and seek help when needed. Additionally, mental health stigma decreased by 19%, highlighting Decode’s effectiveness in promoting more open and supportive attitudes and conversations.
Teachers also felt more confident talking about and facilitating discussions about mental health in the classroom, with 57% reporting improved student wellbeing.
In Australia, one in seven children aged 4 to 17 receives a mental health diagnosis each year. Half of all mental health conditions begin before the age of 18, and symptoms can appear as young as 5 years old.
MCRI’s Professor Harriet Hiscock, who is also Chief Health Officer at Matterworks, said: “Adolescent mental health is reaching a crisis point in Australia and prevention and early intervention in schools are key to long-term change.Decode The program proves that we can solve this problem.” We enable us to deliver practical and impactful solutions where young people are, including schools and digital platforms. ”
The findings come as the federal government considers tightening restrictions on social media access for people under 16.
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“We’ve seen a dramatic shift in the way young people consume content today,” said Kylie Robertson, co-founder and chief product officer at Matterworks. “It’s a place to spend money, and Decode was designed to meet young people there.”
“By using a combination of digital content and influencers with real-world experience, we created a program that felt relevant and engaging for students.The results speak for themselves.Students are informed Not just absorbing it, but applying it to your own mental health and well-being.”
Jonathan Morgan, CEO of Education Perfect, said: “Decode has been welcomed by teachers and students alike. By bringing a media and entertainment lens to mental health education, we hope to help schools explore these topics. We have seen first-hand how Decode is driving meaningful change in education and mental health support. It shows that there is.”
“Social media isn’t going anywhere, and it’s far from black and white,” said Sarah Wyse, co-founder and CEO of Matterworks. “The real opportunity is to take advantage of what works on these platforms. “It’s about connecting young people to evidence-based content.”
“But beyond regulation, we need to think more deeply about how we get the right information to those who need it most. That’s why MatterWorks exists. We need to reach young people where they already are. We’re trying to bridge that gap by directly delivering engaging, research-driven content.” ”
Further information: Emily Habgood et al., Pilot evaluation of an innovative school-based mental health literacy program for teachers and students: The Decode Mental Health and Wellbeing Program, Australian Educational Researcher (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s13384-024-00774-5
Provided by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Citation: Pilot study shows entertainment-style video school mental health programs reduce stigma and increase impact in Australia (18 November 2024) https://phys. Retrieved December 8, 2024 from org/news/2024-11-school-mental- Health Style Video.html
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