Mental health
Good mental health is an essential component of wellbeing and is important for children from infancy and early childhood through to adolescence and young adulthood.
The Commissioner takes a broad view of mental health – from the development of mentally healthy children and young people through to the provision of services and programs for children and young people who are unwell.
Over the past 11 years, the Commissioner has worked to monitor and advocate on the mental health needs of children and young people in WA. Most significantly, this work has included the 2011 Inquiry into the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Western Australia and the 2015 follow up Our Children Can’t Wait Report: Review of the implementation of the Inquiry into the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in Western Australia.
In 2020, the Commissioner published a progress update which indicated that the gaps in the WA mental health system remain.
Further up to date information is available on the Commissioner's Indicators of Wellbeing data resource.
Read the Commissioner's policy statement on health and mental health here.
Reports
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.
Progress update to agencies on the recommendations from the 2015 Our Children Can’t Wait report
The Commissioner's progress update indicates that the WA mental health system still does not adequately plan for, invest in, and support the mental health needs of our children and young people, and their families.
COVID-19 - As told by WA children and young people
WA children and young people share their views on how the COVID-19 pandemic changed their lives.
Issues papers
Position paper - Mental health
A comprehensive and coordinated approach to mental health service delivery is required to ensure that all children and young people and their families have access to and receive the right level of services and supports they need.
Mental health
Policy briefs
Prevention and early intervention for mental health problems and disorders in children and young people
Developed from the Commissioner's 2011 Mental Health Inquiry
Children and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities
Developed from the Commissioner's 2011 Mental Health Inquiry
Children and young people with disability
Developed from the Commissioner's 2011 Mental Health Inquiry
Submissions
Feedback to the Ministerial Taskforce into Public Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents aged 0-18 years in Western Australia
The Commissioner provided feedback to the Ministerial Taskforce regarding the need for a holistic and inclusive approach to children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Submission to the Statutory Review of the Mental Health Act 2014 (WA)
The Commissioner made a submission to the Mental Health Commissioner on the need to amend the Mental Health Act 2014 so it better supports the rights and best interests of children and young people.
Submission to Mental Health Commission, March 2021
The Commissioner provided feedback on the draft Youth Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Homelessness Model of Service
Submission to the draft National Children's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, February 2021
The Commissioner made a submission to the draft National Children's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
More information
Report on the second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing
Young Minds Matter survey
Events
Thinker in Residence 2016-17
The 2016-17 Thinker in Residence was e-mental health researcher and advocate Professor Jane Burns. Professor Jane Burns is Professor of Innovation and Industry at The University of Sydney in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Her work focuses on driving practical and positive change in the community and the mental health sector, with a priority on uniting young people with researchers, practitioners and innovators to explore the role of technology in improving mental health programs and services.
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 2013
Canadian early childhood expert, Dr Stuart Shanker, examined the function and application of self-regulation as a factor in improving the wellbeing of children and young people in Western Australia.