Mental health problems are common in children and adolescents and, when not detected early, can be persistent and disabling. In childhood and adolescence, poor mental health can adversely affect children’s developmental trajectories, and can negatively impact educational outcomes.

Professor David Lawrence from the Telethon Kids Institute and the Faculty of Education will present key results from Young Minds Matter, and will also draw on findings from Student Attendance and Educational Outcomes: Every Day Counts and the Western Australian Aboriginal Child Health Survey to examine the relationships between mental health and wellbeing and educational outcomes.