Secondary schools across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs are now being offered a new suite of resources aimed at helping students and families manage the mental health impacts of social media and excessive screen time.
The initiative, branded as ScrollSafe, was announced by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll, who said the resources are designed to ensure young people “stay in control of their time online and make sure it is supporting their mental health.”
Developed by youth mental health organisation Orygen, the ScrollSafe tools include a dedicated online hub for students featuring a “10 tips guide” for digital wellbeing, a booklet, and a take-home flyer.
The resources are intended to empower students to make positive online choices.
“We’re making sure every young person has the tools to navigate social media safely and confidently, with support from their teachers, families and school community,” Mr. Carroll stated.
The rollout also includes support for educators and parents. Teachers will have resources to facilitate conversations about youth mental health and online behaviour, while parents and carers can access their own dedicated hub. This parent hub provides “clear information, engaging videos and tips” to help families initiate discussions about social media, online safety, and mental health.
The ScrollSafe program falls under the State Government’s broader $3.5 million Safe Socials program, which aims to provide digital literacy support to schools and families.
However, the use of ScrollSafe is optional for schools, as it builds on existing digital literacy programs and “don’t create any new requirements,” according to the government.
The initiative is the latest in a series of government investments in student mental health, including the Mental Health in Primary Schools program, delivered in partnership with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne. That primary school program, which focuses on building emotional and social skills, is expected to welcome its final group of schools at the start of 2026.
Mr. Carroll concluded that this continued funding is “delivering real results.”
“Our record investment in student mental health is delivering real results and we are supporting a new generation of mentally healthy students that are also great learning students,” he said.
