Members Statement - Student Mental Health

MEMBERS STATEMENT – STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH.

Tuesday, 10 November 2020.

Mr NEWBURY (Brighton) (13.45):

Saving minds is just as important as saving lives.

Beyond Blue has found that one in five children between 11 and 17 are experiencing high or very high levels of psychological stress.

A Victorian Student Representative Council Congress report has found there is a lack of consistent quality mental health education in the school curriculum, which is contributing to stigma and a lack of awareness around mental health.

But this data has a human face.

Only days ago, young Athenie of Oakleigh took her own life. Her father has spoken out in the hope of raising awareness and said the isolation of COVID-19 and the exams were the cause.

Addressing the mental health epidemic is urgent and requires far more significant intervention and awareness raising.