Smiling Mind in Primary Schools Programs For Educators Feeling It – Secondary School Resources Benefits Of Mindfulness Smiling Mind Spaces
Create A Mindful Home Creativity and Mindfulness Smiling Mind Creek Resilient Families Program Children's Books Mental Fitness
Small Business Program
Our mission Our Research Mental Wellbeing Index Partnerships & Supporters
Donate now How you can help
Free App Learning Hub
 

Help Make Our Kids Count

Help spread the word

Help us ensure the Government knows Australians want action and the time is now to turn the childhood mental health crisis around.

 
 
SM_FederalProject_Banner_V4.png

 Tell Australia’s leaders: It’s time to champion children

The easiest way to show your support is by submitting the Our Kids Count report to the Prime Minister’s office by following the steps detailed below.

You can also contact your local MP by finding your local electorate and sending the report and messaging below to ask that they represent this important issue.

Step 1: Download and Save the Report 

The form does not allow you to link to the report but does allow you to attach it. Download the report from this link and attach it to your letter.

Step 2: Complete this simple form and add your letter

You can contact the Prime Minister by entering your name and contact details on this form, where you can submit a message in support of Our Kids Count and attach the downloaded report. We’ve included a sample letter below. 

Sample letter

I’m writing to you, along with more than 11,000 other Australians who have signed in support Smiling Mind’s call for a transformation in the way Australia supports children’s mental health and wellbeing.

On 30 November, MP Zali Steggall OAM presented an urgent call to the House of Representatives to address the growing need to support children’s mental health by appointing Australia’s first Minister for Children so that adequate attention, funding and research is made available. 

The need for change is irrefutable and there is wide-spread agreement that we are at a crisis point:

  • 70% of presentations to paediatricians in Australia are for mental health concerns, yet more than half of children experiencing mental health challenges are not receiving professional help.

  • Among kids aged 6-12, Social Anxiety Disorder increased by 45% between 2020 - 2022, ADHD by 42%, peer relationship difficulties by 39% and educational and learning concerns by 35%.

  • The recent Senate Inquiry into school refusal found there had been a decline in attendance rates nationally between 2021 and 2022. For years 1 to 10 school attendance fell from 90.9% to 86.5%, with the proportion of full-time students whose attendance was equal to or greater than 90 per cent dropping from 71.2% to 49.9%. 


    Australia urgently needs a national approach to addressing the specific mental health needs of our children. In doing so, we will be aiding our kids’ recovery from the impacts of the pandemic, adequately preparing them with the skills to maintain their mental health and wellbeing. 

Please read the report attached detailing how this change can make a difference for Australia, with the five key actions you can do now.

SM_PurpleBackground.jpg