The Student Wellbeing Balancing Act

As previously explored in one of our previous blogs,  the wellbeing of students is paramount to a parent’s choice in school. But what are students really feeling about their school lives? 

Part One of the NAB Education Insights Special Report (July 2024) sheds light on the current state of wellbeing among Australian high school students, offering a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and concerns they face. From emotional and mental health to social media influence and school pressures, this report delves deep into the multifaceted experiences of young Australians, providing valuable insights for educators, parents, and the broader community. 

A Student’s Wellbeing: A Mixed Picture 

One of the report's most significant findings is the improvement in students' emotional and mental wellbeing compared to previous years. This is a positive indicator, suggesting that mental health is being taken more seriously in schools, and initiatives are starting to have an impact. More students report feeling better emotionally, which is a crucial step towards a healthier, more balanced educational environment. 

However, this improvement is not consistent across all student groups and demographics surveyed. Boys have reported a decline in their sense of wellbeingThere is a noticeable trend of a decline in wellbeing, among boys according to the data, which stands in contrast to the general upward trend. LGBTIQ+ students, of which this was the first time NAB surveyed students who identified as such, reported at a rate (32%) more than double that of non-LGBTIQ+ students (14%). These students are more likely to feel negative emotional states, highlighting the need for targeted support and interventions to address their unique challenges and experiences. 

While there have been gains in emotional and mental wellbeing, the report indicates that physical wellbeing among students has remained largely unchanged. This stagnation suggests that, despite increased awareness and programs aimed at promoting physical health, students are not necessarily adopting healthier lifestyles. This could be due to a variety of factors, including academic pressures and other extra curricular activities that limit time for physical exercise, dietary habits, or even the broader influence of technology and social media on lifestyle choices. 

Loneliness Impacts on Student Wellbeing 

It is no secret that loneliness impacts mental health, and while there are clearly some positive signs of loneliness improving in many of the students surveyed compared to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains a significant concern.  

The report indicates that LGBTIQ+ students are still much more likely to feel lonely compared to their peers, with 1 in 4 (25%) reporting “extremely high feelings of loneliness” compared to 1 in 10 (11%) of students who did not identify as LGBTIQ+. Other research by the Department of Health Victoria has highlighted a similar feeling among students from a minority ethnic background, reporting feeling lonelier compared with students from majority ethnic groups, implying that minority groups are still dealing with the effects of loneliness on a larger scale and require deeper social and cultural dynamics need to be addressed. 

The online mental health service ReachOut has some resources available for educators, parents, and students who need help with addressing or dealing with feelings of loneliness in school-aged children. 

The Growing Concerns of our Students 

It would be naive to think that students are only solely focused on one particular worry that is affecting their mental health, but the report does provide a broad insight into what is going on in the minds of our school-aged children today. Overwhelmingly, school-related stressors such as schoolwork, tests and results dominated as the main concern, reflecting the high pressure that students feel to perform academically. Compounding this, aspects such as looks/appearance, lack of sleep and mental health also ranked highly, all of which are interlinked with the overall wellbeing of the student, which does have a significant impact on their academic performance. 

The most interesting statistic was the largest mover from 2023 to 2024, with students being more acutely aware and worrying about family cost of living pressures and money issues. Interestingly, as we discussed in one of our previous blogs, parents are more concerned with their child’s wellbeing than with the rising cost of living, but children are far more knowledgeable and aware of these factors regardless. What is certain is that the rising cost of living, coupled with financial uncertainty, has added another layer of stress to students' lives, highlighting the need for schools to be mindful of the socio-economic factors that influence student wellbeing. 

Rethinking the Traditional Academic Route 

Perhaps in relation to the mounting pressures of schoolwork and worries outlined above, the report touches on a sharp increase in non-ATAR results being used for professional and university entry, with the latter growing from 15% to 25% in the last eight years. The report reveals that approximately one in seven students are contemplating completing Year 12 without sitting exams or gaining an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).  

The most interesting trend may be the uncertainty among students between years 7 and 10 who are undecided on the path they wish to take in the future. Students are more aware of the implications on their future but are also doing more to balance their own personal wellbeing in this decision.  

The School’s Role in their Student’s Wellbeing 

The report shows that while there is an elevated level of awareness among students about school wellbeing initiatives, many feel that these programs provide limited support. This discrepancy between awareness and impact is particularly pronounced among LGBTIQ+ students, who often feel that existing programs do not adequately address their specific needs. 

Students have voiced concerns that well-being initiatives often lack the depth and effectiveness required to make a meaningful difference in their lives. For instance, while schools may offer programs aimed at promoting mental health or reducing stress, students report that these initiatives sometimes feel superficial or disconnected from their real-world experiences. To bridge this gap, the more popular suggestions with improvements seem to be aimed at adjusting school policies as opposed to an increase in programs. As you can see in the chart below, the emphasis from students has shifted away from wanting less work and focusing on their performance and more towards wanting to feel like their voices and needs are heard. 

Balancing the Rest of Life 

The report also touches on the issue of sleep, which remains a concern for many students. Despite the well-documented importance of sleep for mental and physical health, students continue to report inadequate sleep, with many struggling to balance the demands of schoolwork, social life, and extra curricular activities. 

However, the report highlights the demographic differences in how these students spend their time. Younger students tend to have more time and capacity for things such as sports and gaming; boys tend to get more sleep and spend more time gaming, while girls are more likely to spend additional hours on social media and homework. These differences highlight the varying pressures and interests that influence how students manage their time outside of school, which can drastically impact their sleep and their mental wellbeing. Schools still have a role to play when it comes to helping their students achieve this balance outside of school hours. This might involve educating students about the importance of sleep, encouraging time management skills, and creating a school environment that supports a healthy balance between academic and personal life. 

Surprising Social Media Implications  

Social media continues to play a significant role in the lives of Australian high-school students, though its influence appears to be bittersweet. Research still provides evidence that social media use has some positive and negative impacts on the lives of young Australians. In this summary of their own 2024 Global Digital Report, the online media monitoring company Meltwater noticed that the trend of social media usage is going down in Australia, especially within the younger generation, perhaps as an attempt to balance their online and offline lives. 

However, the report also highlights some of the challenges associated with social media use. While students recognise the value of staying connected with friends and family, many do not feel that social media provides adequate support during challenging times. Additionally, there is a widespread perception that social media does not necessarily improve their lives, with some students even suggesting that it may contribute to their stress and anxiety. 

We live in a world where social media has become almost a necessity in our lives, more so for the younger generations, as it has completely integrated with everyday life. However, its impact on the lives of students is also complex and layered, there are clear signs that it can be used positively providing a sense of community and belonging for some, but with that comes the negative with issues like cyberbullying, social pressures and “doomscrolling” being prevalent in their lives.  

In conclusion, Part One of the NAB Education Insights Special Report (July 2024) provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of student wellbeing in Australia, highlighting both positive trends and ongoing challenges. While there are signs of much-welcomed improvement in some areas, such as emotional and mental wellbeing, other issues like loneliness and school-related stress continue to pose significant challenges for students. These issues are further exacerbated when dealing with LGBTIQ+ students, who deal with things on a far greater scale and with low levels of wellbeing in comparison with their non-LGBTIQ+ peers.  

By working together—educators, parents, and the broader community—we can help create an educational environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive, both academically and personally. The insights from this report serve as a valuable guide for shaping the future of education in Australia, with the ultimate goal of supporting the holistic wellbeing and success of all students.