The Victorian Government has released new school-based resources designed to help students manage their mental health and navigate social media safely.
Deputy premier and minister for education Ben Carroll announced the ScrollSafe resources in December. They will be available to secondary schools across the state and aim to provide practical support for students, teachers, and parents as young people spend increasing amounts of time in digital environments.
Professor Mary Ryan, dean of education at Monash University, said the initiative recognises the need for a collaborative approach to student wellbeing.
“These resources recognise that supporting young people’s wellbeing requires collaboration across schools, families, and the wider community,” Ryan said. “By giving teachers and parents practical tools grounded in evidence, we can help young people build the confidence and critical skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex digital world.”
Ryan, an internationally recognised education leader, emphasised the importance of creating inclusive learning environments where students feel supported both online and offline.
Professor Michael Phillips, who specialises in digital transformation in education at Monash University and co-directs the Monash Virtual School, described the release as a constructive step in addressing student mental health.
“The release of the ScrollSafe resources marks a constructive step in supporting young people’s mental health at school and online,” Phillips said. “As social media and digital platforms continue to play a role in students’ lives, it is encouraging to see practical, evidence-informed tools being made available to help them navigate these spaces with greater confidence and awareness.”
Phillips noted that while digital spaces can present risks, particularly for disadvantaged students, technology can also create opportunities for connection and learning.
“For many marginalised young people, educational technologies can create pathways to connection, flexible learning, culturally relevant resources, and specialised support that may not always be accessible offline,” he said.
He said the initiative forms part of a broader government investment in student mental health, including the Mental Health in Primary Schools program. He added that embedding digital literacy and wellbeing initiatives within existing frameworks helps schools respond to evolving student needs without placing additional burdens on teachers.
“While there is still more work to do to ensure all young people benefit equally from digital learning environments, the ScrollSafe resources represent a positive step toward a balanced approach,” Phillips said.
The resources provide guidance for students alongside support materials for teachers, parents, and carers.