Our Kids Count
We are calling for federal representation of children to address the growing crisis in children’s mental health and wellbeing.
It's time for action...
Australian children's mental health and wellbeing is deteriorating at alarming rates. Half of all adult mental health conditions first emerge before the age of 143, and over the past 15 years, the number of young people experiencing mental ill-health has grown by 50%4.
Currently children's health and wellbeing is not a national priority. There is no direct government accountability for cross-portfolio leadership and co-ordination to ensure the unique and specific needs of Australian children are elevated.
Thousands of people have joined our call for a Minister for Children in Australia to ensure our children are adequately represented and to turn this crisis around. On 30 November 2023, this collective call was heard at Parliament.
In The Media
Sydney Morning Herald: Children’s mental health is worsening. Where is the minister for primary kids?
The Age: Maths, English, Mental Health – why schoolkids need a new subject
7 News Melbourne: Calls for the government to introduce the first Children's Minister
Nine Today: Calls for support for kids mental health
ABC Melbourne Breakfast: Smiling Mind CEO Dr. Addie Wootten on Our Kids Count
The Sector: Smiling Mind calls for children’s minister to be established as mental health declines
Bounty Parents: REAL LIFE: “Every day I worry about my son with ADHD and anxiety. But there is hope.”
Geelong Advertiser: ‘Concerning’ child mental health crisis looms
Nine News: Our Kids Count tabled in Parliament
A Current Affair: The mental health toll of COVID on kids