Research from ReachOut indicates that nearly 50% of young people feel extremely or very stressed about their studies, with 46% reporting that this stress has a major impact on their mental health and wellbeing (ReachOut). The end of year period is especially challenging for students who may not feel comfortable seeking help when they need it.
Insights from our Wellbeing for Learning program sheds light on a key area for attention: the willingness and ability of students to ask for help when they need it. Responses reveal a concerning trend—many students feel they lack a trusted adult at school to turn to, or they simply do not know how to seek support.
In 2023, “I ask for help when I need it,” was the second-lowest rated response from over 250,000 students, meaning students do not feel confident to ask for help when they need it.
This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for educators. Research also shows us that early intervention is crucial for promoting positive mental health outcomes, yet students often struggle to navigate their own wellbeing journeys. Our research suggests that when students can clearly identify who, where, and when they can access support, they are more likely to reach out when facing challenges.
The Wellbeing for Learning platform supports schools in identifying these needs through two critical mechanisms. Firstly, it allows students to directly seek help, providing a safe and confidential avenue to reach out to trusted staff. Secondly, the platform will identify students who may be struggling based on their survey responses, allowing educators to intervene proactively before issues escalate.
In fact, 81% of educators who use the survey reported that it opens up conversations about wellbeing in their classroom/group and increases the students’ own understanding of their wellbeing. This has proven to be an important part of school wellbeing initiatives, offering educators an opportunity to monitor, learn about and support student wellbeing, while providing students with timely support and fostering a culture where seeking help is normalised.
Educators play a pivotal role in bridging this gap by ensuring that students are not only aware of the available support but also feel safe and comfortable accessing it. By leveraging insights from our surveys, schools can create an environment where every student knows they have someone to turn to—transforming wellbeing from a passive awareness into an active, accessible support system.
Get in touch today to learn more about how the Wellbeing for Learning Program could support your proactive approach to student wellbeing: https://www.pivotpl.com/get-started
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