Transforming student well-being through evidence-based strategies

In the face of rising student anxiety, Parentshop has launched two innovative programs – The Anxiety Project, in association with NSW Primary Principals’ Association (NSWPPA), and Resilience in Our Teens. These initiatives, grounded in evidence-based approaches, are making significant strides in reducing anxiety and building resilience among students in New South Wales.

Project genesis: Responding to a critical need

The Anxiety Project was born out of a 2019 report by the Australian Primary Principals’ Association (APPA), which highlighted the strain of rising student anxiety on school resources and educators. Launched in 2022, this program spans 113 NSW public primary schools and impacts 39,000 students. It provides comprehensive training for school staff to build skills and confidence in recognising and addressing anxiety through everyday interactions.

Meanwhile, Resilience in Our Teens, also known as the RIOT project, focuses on teenagers, taking a whole-school approach to teach resilience by engaging significant adults in the students' lives. This program aligns with the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework (ASWF) and involves training and resources for implementation coaches, teachers, and principals.

Evidence-based training and techniques

Both projects employ evidence-based strategies developed by experienced psychologists. The projects train school staff to identify key anxiety thought processes, such as cognitive distortions, and help students reframe unhelpful thought patterns. This involves 'serve and return' conversations during stressful moments and reinforcing coping strategies during calmer times.

The projects assist educators in distinguishing anxious behaviours and empowers them with conversational interventions to foster resilience-thinking skills. This includes techniques for arousal reduction and interrupting anxiety spirals, contributing to a comprehensive cultural change.

Addressing modern stressors and unique challenges

Today's children face unique stressors, including the influence of social media, academic pressures, and extracurricular activities. These resilience-building projects help students develop the confidence to overcome life’s everyday challenges one their own by teaching them how to manage their thoughts in the face of these stressors.

According to research conducted by an external research organisation, The Anxiety Project has significantly improved teacher confidence in identifying student anxiety, with ability scores rising from 43.8% to 66.4%, and reduced high-anxiety cases among students from 19.6% to 14.6%.

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NSWPPA president Robyn Evans underscores the importance of these findings: “Our teachers are vital contributors to developing good mental health in students.”

Sustainability and community involvement

A key strength of both projects is their focus on sustainability and community involvement. By educating not only teachers but also parents, these programs ensure that students receive consistent support across all areas of their lives. This holistic approach fosters a resilient and supportive environment that promotes long-term positive change.

Rob Walker, deputy president of the NSWPPA, explains the importance of building emotional resilience in children: “It’s about everyday conversations that teachers and parents have with kids, helping them understand their own body responses and develop coping mechanisms.”

The uptake of the projects by in-school advocates is also an integral part of the projects.

The feedback from educators has been consistently positive. "We've had a really good buy-in this term from students really seeing the value in this program."

"It's been really well received from our teachers; they all are on board." Brendan Crosilla, a RIOT in-school champion.

Support network and community engagement

The projects support schools by connecting in-school champions who collaborate via Zoom Cafes, sharing success stories, challenges, and additional resources. This community fosters ongoing support and momentum, ensuring the sustainability of the impact from the projects.

Ensuring the whole-school community supports these cultural change projects, free and discounted vouchers are available for parent webinar series and online courses. These resources have been developed by psychologists and help caregivers foster resilience thinking in their children at home.

With a parent-led approach, significant adults can take a coaching role in their children’s life and guide them through emotionally distressing episodes. For this purpose, they will be equipped with the tools to scaffold resilient thinking through simple and easy to implement strategies.

Success stories and future directions

Building on early successes, the projects are expanding beyond NSW, preparing for a national rollout across Australia, enabling more schools to benefit from this comprehensive approach to resilience building.

A transformative approach to student well-being

The Anxiety Project and the RIOT project are proving to be transformative initiatives for NSW schools and will expand nationally in 2025. By equipping teachers, key staff, and parents with the skills to manage student anxiety, they foster a supportive and resilient educational environment.

These evidence-based approaches not only address current challenges but also lay the foundation for sustainable, positive change in student well-being. For schools looking to adopt a comprehensive, community-focused strategy to tackle student anxiety, these projects offer proven, effective solutions.

For more information on The Anxiety Project and Resilience in Our Teens, click here.

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