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School’s role in Tier 1 promoting mental health and wellbeing

Schools play an important role in promoting student mental health and wellbeing. Education protects and supports a person’s mental health across a lifetime.

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Schools also play a role in creating a positive community that enhances a sense of connection and belonging in students. Using a whole school approach, schools can develop a safe and inclusive school environment and promote student mental health and wellbeing. This is best achieved by working in partnership with all members of the school community.

Schools can support students to develop:

The Schools Mental Health Menu is a list of endorsed programs, staff and resources across 3 tiers of support.

Tier 1 activities form a foundation for Tier 2 and Tier 3. Together, the tiers form layers of support for students. Tier 1 supports remain in place, and schools can add extra supports from Tier 2 and Tier 3 when greater needs are identified.

Tier 1: universal interventions

Tier 1 Universal interventions help schools to create a positive, inclusive and supportive school climate, building the preconditions for optimal student learning, development and wellbeing. They are the initiatives and programs schools adopt that are good for all students.

Tier 1 Universal activities promote positive mental health and develop all students’ social, emotional and behavioural abilities. Many activities will be documented in the school’s student engagement policy.

Activities can be implemented at a school, year, or classroom level. They are usually delivered by school staff. Community organisations or agencies may be employed to deliver some activities.

Programs include:

The Schools Mental Health Menu provides a comprehensive information about tier 1 activities (as well as tiers 2 and 3) available to schools.

Schools mental health menu

A list of endorsed programs, staff and resources that can support schools to improve their students’ mental health and wellbeing.

The NIP early intervention approach

NIP it in the bud! is an early intervention approach that provides a simple framework for all members of a school community. NIP it in the bud! provides a whole school approach to recognising and responding to early warning signs of depression, anxiety and emotional distress communicated through self-harm.

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Wellbeing in the classroom

Teachers play an important role in supporting student mental health and wellbeing. Schools can foster student wellbeing and development of social and emotional skills.

Area and regional supports

Area-based teams, including Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Workforces,are available to collaborate with schools on which Tier 1 activities and resources are most appropriate to meet differing student needs and to work with schools to support implementation.

For more information:

Education & training

Updated 26 March 2026

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