State of Mind

Key Insights into Children's Wellbeing and Parental Stress

• Children's Wellbeing: A significant number of Australian children aged 4 - 12 are grappling with symptoms of anxiety (42%), stress (27%), and depression (11%). Notably, wellbeing was shown to decline as children grow older, starting from the age of 8 years.

• Parental Stress: 70% of parents experience high stress and anxiety, often linked to financial pressures, time constraints and children’s challenging behaviours. There is an association between caregivers' mental health and their children’s’ mental health.

• Stigma: While 91% of parents are proactive in supporting their children’s mental health, over half reported they felt stigma about seeking help.

• Mental Fitness: Regular practice of mental fitness strategies improves wellbeing for both children and parents.

• Diverse Needs: Single-parent, First Nations and LGBTQI+parents and caregivers, as well as those living in rural areas, encounter distinct challenges, necessitating the need for tailored support.

How can we better support caregivers and the children in their care?

State of Mind findings reveal that practising mental fitness improves wellbeing for both children and parents. Like physical fitness strengthens the body, mental fitness boosts emotional resilience, focus, and relationships. Children can develop these skills early to enhance overall wellbeing to better prepare them to navigate life’s challenges.