Pilot study shows school mental health program with entertainment-style videos cuts stigma, boosts impact in Australia

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A unique program designed for schools to improve mental health has achieved top marks, having improved awareness and reduced stigma among students, according to a new study.

The research, led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), found the Decode Mental Health and Well-being Program, increased mental health literacy and decreased stigma while more than half of teachers saw a significant improvement in student well-being. The findings are published in The Australian Educational Researcher journal.

Decode, the flagship program of digital health studio Matterworks has been developed and delivered in partnership with EdTech company Education Perfect and informed by researchers from MCRI, has created a valuable opportunity in classrooms to open up discussions around mental health by taking evidence-backed health information and translating it into a digestible video format.

The entertainment-style videos, featuring TV, TikTok and sporting stars, are presented in an entertaining and engaging way with relatable, real-life stories that illustrate mental health concerns and provide actionable solutions.

Under the pilot study, Decode was evaluated in five primary and secondary schools in Victoria. Published in The Australian Educational Researcher, the study found that 67% of students and 86% of teachers reported positive engagement with the program.

It noted Decode increased mental health literacy by 7% among students by providing them with the tools to manage stress and anxiety, respond to challenges and seek help when necessary. Additionally, stigma around mental health was reduced by 19%, highlighting Decode's effectiveness at fostering more open, supportive attitudes and conversations.

The teachers also felt more confident to talk about and facilitate mental health discussions in the classroom and 57% reported an increase in student well-being.

In Australia, one in seven children, aged 4-17 years, experiences a mental health diagnosis in any given year. Half of all mental health conditions start before the age of 18 and symptoms can emerge from as young as five.

MCRI Professor Harriet Hiscock, who is also Chief Health Officer at Matterworks, said, "With youth mental health reaching a crisis point in Australia, prevention and early intervention in schools is key to long-term change. The Decode program proves that we can meet young people where they are—in schools and on digital platforms—to deliver practical, impactful solutions."

The findings come as the Federal Government considers tightening restrictions on social media access for those under 16.

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Matterworks Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Kylie Robertson said, "We've seen that the way young people consume content today has shifted dramatically. Social media is where young people spend much of their time and Decode was designed to meet them there.

"By using a combination of digital content and influencers with lived experiences, we've created a program that feels relevant and engaging to students. The results speak for themselves—students are not only absorbing the information but applying it to their own mental health and well-being."

Education Perfect CEO Jonathan Morgan said, "Decode has been welcomed by teachers and students alike. We've seen firsthand how bringing a media and entertainment lens to mental health education can transform how schools engage with these topics. The positive reception from schools and the tangible improvements in student outcomes show that Decode is making a meaningful difference in education and mental health support."

Matterworks Co-founder and CEO Sarah Wyse said, "Social media isn't going anywhere, and it's far from black and white. The real opportunity lies in leveraging what works on these platforms to connect young people with evidence-based content.

"But beyond regulation, we need to think bigger about how to deliver the right information to those who need it most. That's why Matterworks exists—we're bridging that gap by bringing engaging, research-driven content directly to where young people already are."

More information: Emily Habgood et al, Pilot evaluation of an innovative school-based mental health literacy program for teachers and students: The Decode Mental Health and Wellbeing Program, The Australian Educational Researcher (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s13384-024-00774-5

Provided by Murdoch Children's Research Institute