A Special Report: R U OK? Day & Child Protection Week

This week, as we observe both R U OK? Day and Child Protection Week 2025, we’re reminded of the vital role kindness, connection, and open conversations play in supporting our children’s wellbeing. The theme for Child Protection Week 2025 is “Every Child, Every Voice, Every Right”, highlighting the importance of listening, protecting, and empowering every child.

Young people today face many pressures, from academic stress to social media, and these challenges can impact their mental health. R U OK? Day encourages us all to check in with genuine care and compassion, because every conversation matters. As parents and caregivers, fostering positive, stigma-free discussions about feelings and wellbeing helps create safe spaces where children feel valued and supported.

Together, let’s promote kindness, resilience, and positive mental health, showing our children that their voice is heard and their wellbeing is our priority.

Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression, and self-harm are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the well-being of their children.

R U OK? Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"

Engaging in R U OK? Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:
https://sacc.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-r-u-ok-day

Child Protection week resources

https://danielmorcombe.com.au/keeping-kids-safe/child-protection-week-resources/

https://raisingchildren.net.au/