There has been a huge growth in wellbeing programs in schools in Australia, with nine in 10 independents schools now offering a wellness service to students and public schools following suit.

The annual NAB Independent Schools Survey reveals the huge level of investment schools are making in supporting the mental health and overall wellbeing of their students, with programs ranging from mindfulness and meditation practices to the building of special buildings equipped with swimming pools, yoga studios and spaces of quiet reflection.

Only 62 per cent of girls in secondary schools had a strong sense of wellbeing, according to the survey, and more than 55 per cent were assessed as anxious.

Boys had higher levels of wellbeing and lower levels of anxiety, and primary school students fared much better than older students.

The head of Behavioural and Industry Economics at NAB, Dean Pearson, said schools had instituted a wide array of programs to respond to escalating anxiety among young people.

“Wellbeing looks particularly strong for the under 50s, but the 18-24 year-old demographic is not looking very good, particularly with young women, and particularly in terms of anxiety,” Mr Pearson said.

“I am not surprised that the schools are reacting to it. I think they have seen these issues building over time and particularly in young girls.”

– Natasha Robinson

Read More: Schools Spotlight Wellbeing in Bid to Tackle Student Anxiety

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