Promoting Wellbeing in Our Children

What is Wellbeing?

The World Health Organisation defines wellbeing as:

"A state in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stress of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community."

 Wellbeing is usually understood as a multidimensional concept involving a student's emotional, mental, physical and social health and includes how the student thinks and feels about themselves and their life generally. 

Recent research collected the perspectives of over 600 primary and secondary school students across Australia to elicit their views on the meaning of 'wellbeing' and how it is best facilitated.

Students conceptualised wellbeing, across three interconnected domains of 'being', 'having' and 'doing' -  

• 'Being' - Students identified wellbeing as a state of 'being' that existed when their needs were met and when they experienced a sense of satisfaction. For example, being happy, loved, cared for, connected, wanted, safe and healthy.
• 'Having' - Students conceptualised wellbeing in relation to 'having' support, rights and social justice. For example, students described the importance of having a voice, justice, fairness, help with schoolwork, good friendships, communication and respect.
• 'Doing' - Students also understood wellbeing in relation to their own actions. For example, the actions students most referred to included looking after oneself, accepting yourself and others, making good decisions and doing acts of generosity and kindness 

 Factors that support and promote wellbeing

The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) describes six factors which support and promote the wellbeing of a child or young person:

1. Loved and safe

This includes positive family relationships and connections with others, along with personal and community safety. Children and young people who are loved and safe are more likely to:

• Be confident, have a strong sense of self-identity and high self-esteem. 
• Form secure attachments, have pro-social peer connections and positive adult role models or mentors in their life.
• Be resilient, withstanding life challenges and responding constructively to setbacks and unanticipated events. 

2. Material basics

The wellbeing of children and young people is enhanced when they:

• Have access to material basics that they need to live their life.
• Live in adequate and stable housing, with adequate clothing.
• Have access to healthy food and clean water and the materials they need to participate in education and training pathways.

3. Healthy

Children's wellbeing is promoted when they:

• Have their physical, developmental, psychosocial and mental health needs met.
• Have access to services to support their growth and development.
• Have access to early intervention measures to redress any emerging health or developmental concerns.

4. Learning

Learning is a lifelong process. Children and young people learn through formal and informal experiences within the classroom and in their home and community. Children's wellbeing is enhanced when they participate in and experience an education that enables them to reach their full potential and maximise their life opportunities. 

5. Participating

Children and young people's participation includes involvement with peers in the community, having a voice and say on matters that concern them and access to technology for social connections. The wellbeing of children and young people is promoted when their views are considered, and they are involved in decision-making processes that affect them. 

6. Identity and Culture

Having a positive sense of culture and identity is central to the wellbeing of children and is particularly important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and other culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) children. This includes having a sense of spiritual wellbeing. 

If you have any questions regarding this information do not hesitate to contact me.

Deb Owens

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader.