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Every September, R U OK? Day reminds us of the power of a very simple question, and the importance of checking in on those around us. In Australian schools, this message is more important than ever, as students face mounting pressures both inside and outside the classroom. While a single conversation can make a difference, supporting student wellbeing requires ongoing commitment, and the right tools and systems in place.
The Mental Health Landscape in Australian Schools
We have previously discussed mental health in school in a previous blog; however, it is worth highlighting again the facts that we are dealing with when it comes to addressing this issue, and the resulting effects of the challenges they face.
Recent research summarised by the University of Adelaide in 2024 paints a sobering picture of student mental health in Australia:
- Over 35% of secondary students and 27% of primary students report high levels of anxiety or depression.
- 40–50% of students experience high levels of disengagement and declining hope.
- Among students in Years 11–12, 15% report alcohol use and 11% report frequent vaping.
Experts warn that these figures have not improved since the pandemic, and that schools must be empowered with context-specific mental health data to respond effectively. The report calls for broad-scale, school-based programs that are proactive, evidence-based, and continuously measured.
Evidence-Based Practices in Australian Schools
Schools should be approaching this issue with research and evidence to put programs in place that will effect meaningful and positive change. The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) highlights these strategies for supporting student wellbeing, including:
- Building relationships with students
- Facilitating peer connections
- Promoting coping strategies
- Supporting inclusion and belonging
Australian schools are also responding with evidence-based programs and frameworks. The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework encourages schools to create inclusive environments where every student feels safe, connected, and supported. R U OK? Day has become an important catalyst for these efforts, inspiring lesson plans, classroom activities, and ongoing conversations about mental health.
These initiatives align perfectly with TrackOne Studio’s goal to make student wellbeing visible, measurable, and actionable for educators.
The Student Wellbeing Module: Turning Insights into Action
The Student Wellbeing Module within the Learning Analytics Suite empowers students to reflect on their emotional state and provides educators and staff the ability to react early, with evidence and insight, if necessary. The process is as follows:
- Student Self-Reflection
Students complete short, regular surveys that can be scheduled weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. This helps students build self-awareness and gives staff valuable insight into how their students are feeling at that time, and how their feelings are trending.
- Visualisation of the Data
Responses are then collated and visualised via features, like the “Wellbeing Pulse”, and alerts can be triggered when certain thresholds are met to enable prompt action, should it be required.
- Teacher View & Cohort Analysis
Teachers can view individual student wellbeing data, while school leaders can analyse trends across year levels or cohorts through dedicated and customisable dashboards. These quick insights can make it significantly easier to start meaningful conversations.
Of course, all of the above is customisable to the school’s wants and needs. Questions can be tailor-made per year level, providing significantly richer and useful data to staff, which can then be actioned.
Are You Ready to Make Your Students a Priority?
Beyond wellbeing, the Learning Analytics Suite provides a holistic view of each student’s journey. Teachers have access to detailed dashboards that combine academic results, attendance records, behaviour logs, and wellbeing data. Class summaries offer a quick overview of how students are performing and feeling, helping educators tailor their support.
School leaders can use cohort analysis tools to evaluate the impact of programs and identify trends across year levels or departments.
Students also benefit from goal-setting tools that encourage reflection and motivation, while extra-curricular tracking ensures that achievements outside the classroom are recognised. The platform even supports digital awards and recognition, helping schools celebrate student success in all its forms.
As R U OK? Day reminds us, asking the right question can change a life. With the right tools, schools can go further – creating systems that ensure every student is seen, heard, and supported. TrackOne Studio’s Learning Analytics Suite makes this possible, turning data into insight and insight into action.
To learn more about how your school can benefit from the Learning Analytics Suite, visit the TrackOne Studio blog, or contact the team directly.
