Schools to be wellbeing hubs
The latest report by a state-sponsored Thinker-in-Residence has been matched with a $200,000 annual commitment to measure the wellbeing of young people.
World-renowned psychologist Professor Martin Seligman has handed down his report into how positive psychology can improve wellbeing.
The report marks the end of his two-year appointment in Adelaide, which involved working with leaders in education and health.
Speaking at the report’s release, Premier Jay Weatherill said the State Government would provide $200,000 annually for four years to measure and build the wellbeing and resilience of young people and reduce the likelihood of mental illness.
Under the State Government’s response, eight suburban schools will become community wellbeing hubs.
A pilot wellbeing measurement project also will be expanded from nine to 175 schools.
Work will be undertaken with universities and other institutions to increase the breadth and number of courses in positive psychology for teachers and other professionals
“The greatest challenge of any government is to increase the wellbeing of its citizens and to put in place policies that help achieve that,” Weatherill said.
“To that end, Professor Seligman’s work is extremely important.
“Our response to his report is part of our strategic priority of providing Every Chance for Every Child.
“We are going to focus our efforts on young children because we know we can make the most impact in the early years.”
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Seligman will return to Adelaide next year to deliver two public lectures.
He will be joined by Brigadier General Rhonda Cornum, who led the US Army wellbeing project – the largest of its kind in the world.
A separate report in the Washington Post today suggests that Australia is among the best nations in terms of the prevalence of clinical depression.
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