b kinder foundation : mental health statistics

mental health statistics

1 in 4 secondary students and 1 in 7 primary school students now has a mental illness. A mental illness is defined as a clinically diagnosable disorder that significantly affects a person’s cognitive, emotional, or social functioning.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15-25. "For every youth suicide there are about 100 to 200 more attempts" (70,000 attempts per year).
Source: Heathdirect.gov.au

Approximately one in four Year 4 to Year 9 Australian students (27%) reported being bullied every few weeks or more often (considered to be frequent)
Source: National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing

4 in 10 students are concerned about coping with stress, body image, school or study problems.
Source: Mission Australia

1 in 2 young people are impacted by suicide by the time they are 25 years old.
Source: Suicide Prevention Australia

"Behavioural issues, particularly those that begin in early childhood, are among the strongest predictors or serious health and social problems in adulthood."
Source: Mental Health Commission of New South Wales

Aproximately one-third of Australians aged 14-19 have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviours in the past 12-months
Source: Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2025

Anxiety levels have increased significantly in the last decade with suicide now being the single largest killer of Australian youth.
Source: Mission Australia

Children who are bullied are more likely to perform poorly academically, struggle with adjusting to transitional points through life (such as moving schools), more likely to have feelings of anxiety or depression, and at greater risk of suicide
Source: Australian Institute of Family Studies

negativity

With rates of mental illnesses, bullying, and suicide steadily rising, there is an increasing community concern for the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians.

Children today are inundated with information on topics such as anxiety, depression, bullying, suicide, self-harm, and other mental health issues. In combination with this, there is a glaring absence of positive messages.

The Murdoch Children's Research Institute states that "With about 50% of mental health disorders beginning before the age of 14 years, prevention and early intervention are paramount if we want to reduce a lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders and allow children to live their best possible lives".

Science shows that acts of kindness and compassion increase wellbeing and improve self-esteem for not just young Australians – but for everyone. At the b kinder foundation, we want people to know their actions matter, and that we each have the power to make a difference.

bullying

Bullying can be physical, verbal or social.

Data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) in 2016 shows that 7 in 10 children aged 12–13 experienced at least 1 bullying-like behaviour within a year. According to the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015, 1 in 5 Year 4 students experience bullying on a weekly basis.

Data from LSAC in 2016 found that almost half (46%) of children aged 12–13 who experienced at least 1 bullying-like behaviour within a year also used bullying-like behaviours against another child. Frequent school bullying was highest among Year 5 (32%) and Year 8 (29%) students.

Research highlights changes in bullying behaviours, with cyberbullying emerging as an increasingly prevalent form alongside traditional bullying methods.

testimonials

"The influence and lasting impressions that Billie has left for our future generations can only be described as an inheritance of blessings for all children."

Amanda Camm, Whitsundays MP

"I have searched for a wellbeing program that not only serves to educate our students, but inspires them to take action, to flourish and to use their voice for good. Across the globe we are witnessing an ever-increasing amount of anxiety, online bullying, depression, helplessness and dysregulation. We need to empower children with strategies to help them develop an enriched sense of wellbeing, belonging and self-esteem."

Nicole Gruman, Vice Principal, Moriah College

"They are of great help in initiating discussion surrounding emotions that can be difficult for the young to communicate and they do this in a charming and creative way that encourages clarity, comfort and kindness and allowing open, free expression and valid self-introspection.
The b kinder workbooks are a daily personal reminder to walk, speak and think kindness."