Student wellbeing in schools
Positive engagement in education is one of the most vital determinants of a person’s lifelong health and wellbeing.
In a number of previous consultations, children and young people themselves have told the Commissioner about the importance of school and the role of education in affecting their wellbeing.
For up to date information refer to the Commissioner's Indicators of Wellbeing data resource.
Reports
Data Snapshot - Students views on safety
The Commissioner’s Speaking Out Survey 2021 (SOS21), conducted with 16,532 WA students, affirmed previous findings that many children and young people do not always feel safe at home, at school and in their community.
Data Snapshot - Aboriginal students views on their wellbeing
In 2021, the Commissioner's Speaking Out Survey 2021 (SOS21) heard from 16,532 WA Year 4 to Year 12 students, including 1,503 Aboriginal students. A key SOS21 finding was that while Aboriginal students fared less well than non-Aboriginal students in terms of material needs and family worries, many reported high self-esteem and a sense of belonging in their communities.
Data Snapshot - Students views on their mental health
A key finding in the Speaking Out Survey 2021 (SOS21) conducted with 16,532 WA students is that mental health issues are a significant concern for children and young people – this supports the findings of the Commissioner’s Speaking Out Survey 2019 results.
Girls’ wellbeing: Insights from the 2021 Speaking Out Survey
This report analyses girls’ wellbeing using the SOS21 quantitative and qualitative data. The voices of female children and young people in this report provide a critical insight into their views and experiences.
Issues papers
Creativity and education
Policy briefs
Children and young people speak out about education and health at school
Children and young people speak out about education and health at school
Children and young people speak out about education and safety at school
Children and young people speak out about education and safety at school
Children and young people speak out about education and safety in schools
Children and young people speak out about education and safety in schools
Children and young people speak out about education
Developed from the Commissioner's 2011 Wellbeing research project
Submissions
Submission to the Productivity Commission on National Education Evidence Base, June 2016
Submission to Senate Select Committee on School Funding Investment
Submission to the Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs, October 2015
Inquiry into educational opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Submission to the Productivity Commission, May 2014
Inquiry into Childcare and Early Learning
More information
Supporting student wellbeing in schools webinar
In this webinar, the Commissioner identifies opportunities to strengthen responses to promote positive student wellbeing and ensure that WA students receive the support they need.
Opinion piece - Let's not panic about kids wagging school
The Daily Telegraph, Professor Stephen Zubrick – 14 August 2014
Opinion piece - Professor looks to make a difference
The West Australian, Professor Colleen Hayward – 13 April 2013
Opinion piece - Community input vital to giving kids best start
The West Australian, Mrs Annie Fogarty – 20 November 2012
Events
We Are 10 - Information sheet
To celebrate the Commissioner's office's 10 year anniversary in late 2017, a consultation is being held with 10-year-olds across Western Australia.
Addressing Bullying Behaviour in Children and Young People 2015
During Children's Week 2015 the Commissioner held a free public forum for parents, teachers and other professionals about effective methods of reducing bullying behaviour, which included a presentation by Winthrop Professor Donna Cross from the Telethon Kids Institute.
Thinker in Residence 2014
International expert in child resilience Dr Michael Ungar visited Perth in 2014, offering new perspectives on a community-wide approach to building resilience in children and young people, particularly those who are vulnerable or who have complex needs.
Thinker in Residence 2011
Paul Collard, chief executive of the non-government organisation Creativity, Culture and Education in the UK, investigated the potential for creativity in education and cultural experiences to strengthen the wellbeing of children and young people in Western Australia.