Mental health literacy is the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to recognise when a young person may be struggling, understand how to respond and know where to seek support. As rates of anxiety, depression and psychological distress continue to rise among children and adolescents, mental health literacy has become increasingly important. The earlier concerns are identified and addressed, the greater the opportunity to provide support before difficulties escalate.

While many adults want to help, they often feel uncertain about what is typical behaviour, what may be a warning sign and how to start conversations about mental health. In a world saturated with information, it can also be difficult to know what advice is trustworthy and evidence-based. Building mental health literacy helps adults feel more confident, reduces stigma around mental health and encourages help-seeking when needed.

Schools also play an important role in promoting mental health literacy by fostering supportive environments where wellbeing is valued and open conversations are encouraged. When schools and families work together, they can create a strong network of support around young people, helping them develop resilience, access appropriate help and feel confident speaking up when they need support.