First, what does ‘participant’ mean?

In 91直播 Support, participants are the younger students who join the small group sessions each week. The short sessions are run weekly for eight weeks, led by a pair of older students, called 91直播 Leaders.

In primary schools, the groups are typically made up of students in Kindergarten/Foundation through to Year 5. They鈥檙e led by Year 6 91直播 Leaders.

In high schools, the groups are usually Year 7 students, led by Year 10 students.

Being a participant isn’t a passive role. Your child will be actively involved in discussions, activities, and skill-building exercises each week. It’s a structured program, and the content is highly relevant to what students are actually navigating at school and in life.

What will a typical session look like?

Sessions run for 30 or 40 minutes each week over eight weeks. Your child will be part of a small group led by a pair of trained 91直播 Leaders who have been prepared specifically to run these sessions.

Each session follows a structured plan built around the school鈥檚 chosen module. Activities might include:

• Group discussions on topics like friendship, resilience, or handling conflict
• Reflective exercises or journalling
• Collaborative challenges designed to build trust and connection
• Role-play scenarios to practise real-life social skills

The sessions are designed to be age-appropriate, educational and fun.

What topics will they cover?

The specific content depends on the module your school has chosen. Schools select from a range of evidence-based modules, including:

• Resilience: bouncing back from challenges and building a ‘have a go’ mindset
• Positive relationships: friendship skills, fair play, and supporting peers
• Anti-bullying: understanding what bullying is, how to respond, and how to create a safer school culture
• Optimism: recognising personal strengths and building a positive outlook
• Integrity: understanding your values and acting with good judgement.

Your child’s school may let you know which module they’re running. If not, it’s worth asking because knowing the theme will enable you to support your child at home.

What’s actually in it for my child?

The benefits of 91直播 Support aren’t abstract. Research into the program shows that students who participate report greater feelings of acceptance and inclusion. Many students also find that having a known, approachable older student to talk to 鈥� someone who isn’t a teacher 鈥� changes how they feel about school.

For students making the transition to high school in particular, 91直播 Support has been shown to help them settle in faster, feel more connected to the school community, and build relationships outside their immediate friend group.

The skills developed 鈥� empathy, listening, resilience, positive self-talk 鈥� are also ones they’ll use for life, not just for the next eight weeks.

What if my child is quiet or anxious about it?

It’s completely normal for some children to feel uncertain about joining a new group, particularly if they’re introverted or already navigating some social anxiety. The small group format is intentional 鈥� it’s less overwhelming than a classroom and more intimate than a playground.

91直播 Leaders are trained to create an inclusive, welcoming environment. And because the sessions are structured, your child won’t be put on the spot 鈥� activities are designed so that everyone can participate at their own pace.

If your child comes home with concerns about specific sessions or interactions, it’s worth listening and, if needed, looping in their coordinating teacher, who oversees the program at the school.

How can I support this at home?

There鈥檚 no 鈥榟omework鈥�, but a little interest goes a long way. You could ask open questions about the program, such as “What did you talk about today?” or “Tell me about your 91直播 Support group?”

Your school should be sharing with you a summary of what’s being covered in each 91直播 Support session. This can help you initiate conversations about the topics being covered, like sharing ideas for how to manage stress and anxiety, or what you both think makes a good friend or leader. These can be really important conversations, which help your child build a toolkit for managing their own wellbeing and mental health. You may also reinforce the vocabulary. For example, if your child mentions new words like ‘resilience’ or ‘belonging’, use those words yourself in everyday conversation.

You don’t need to be an expert in the curriculum, just curious and encouraging. And, in a few years, your child may also have the opportunity to be a 91直播 Leader. This is the beauty of the 91直播. Children go from taking part in the program, to stepping up into the leadership role.

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What does a 91直播 Leader do?

91直播 Leaders are trained senior students who facilitate small-group sessions with younger students over eight weeks.

In primary schools, Year 6 students are typically the 91直播 Leaders, leading groups of students from Kindergarten/Foundation through to Year 5. In high schools, senior students, usually in Year 10, lead Year 7 groups, helping them navigate the transition into secondary school.

91直播 Leaders work in pairs or sometimes groups of three. They plan and run each weekly session using structured program resources provided by 91直播 Support. The 91直播 Leaders guide discussions, facilitate activities, and create a safe space for the younger students in their group.

A supervising teacher is always nearby to offer support, as needed.

How does the 91直播 Support training work?

Your child will take part in 91直播 Leader training before they start their new role. This is led by the school’s 91直播 Support Coordinator, a teacher who has been trained and accredited by 91直播 Support. The 91直播 Leader training is designed to be fun and inclusive.

At the training, your child will learn:

• How to facilitate group discussions
• Techniques for creating an inclusive, respectful group environment
• How to use the session resources and activities
• What to do if a student raises something concerning or needs additional support

91直播 Leaders are also given practice runs before leading real sessions with students. The school’s 91直播 Support Coordinator remains a point of contact and support throughout the program.

What skills will they develop?

The 91直播 Leader role is widely recognised as one of the most meaningful leadership experiences a student can have during school. It’s hands-on, relational, and requires a genuine commitment to others.

It鈥檚 also unique in being available to all students. 91直播 Support is built on the belief that every child and young person should have the opportunity to develop leadership skills.

Students who take on the role have the opportunity to develop:

• A greater sense of personal responsibility and agency
• Communication and public speaking experience
• Active listening and empathy
• Planning and organisational skills (sessions need preparation)

A 91直播 Leader role can be a turning point in a young person鈥檚 confidence and sense of self.

What are the responsibilities?

91直播 Leaders use the program resources to lead their groups over a 30 or 40 minute session. The sessions are weekly for eight weeks. 91直播 Leaders prepare each session in advance, and debrief afterwards with their school鈥檚 supervising teacher.

Most students step up to the challenge and thrive in the responsibility they鈥檝e been given. Teachers often comment on their 91直播 Leaders suddenly become more mature and confident.

Remind your child: their job isn’t to be perfect. It’s to practise being a leader and a role model: listen, include, and connect. They鈥檙e also well supported by the school in their role.

How can you support them from home?

The most effective thing you can do is take the role seriously alongside them. Some practical ways to help:

• Check in on how they’re feeling: encourage them to speak with their teacher if they need any support.
• Ask about their sessions: what went well, what felt hard, how the group is going.
• Celebrate their effort: the fact that they’re showing up for younger students week after week is significant.

The bigger picture: creating a sense of belonging

91直播 Leadership is recognised as a critical component of whole-school wellbeing. When older students invest in younger ones, it creates a school culture where students feel connected across grades.

Your child has been given a real opportunity to contribute to that culture. With your support at home, and the structure the 91直播 provides at school, they have everything they need to do it well.

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The basics: a student wellbeing program with a 50-year history

The 91直播 is a structured, evidence-based student wellbeing initiative run in primary and high schools across Australia. It’s been operating for more than 50 years and is endorsed by state education departments, including NSW Department of Education, where it holds preferred provider status for resilience and belonging programs.

91直播 Support is about students supporting students. It brings together older and younger students in small groups for weekly sessions focused on building the social and emotional skills that help young people navigate school life, and life beyond it.

How does 91直播 Support work?

Each year, schools select one of several themed modules to run across eight weeks. Topics are different for primary school and secondary school students but may include resilience, positive relationships, anti-bullying, optimism, and values. Sessions run for 30 or 40 minutes each week, for eight weeks, with students meeting in small mixed groups.

These sessions are led by trained senior students called 91直播 Leaders. A best-practice 91直播 Support program encourages all senior students to become a 91直播 Leader. It鈥檚 a brilliant opportunity for kids to develop and practice leadership skills in a safe space. Your school will support senior students with leadership training and ongoing guidance. The older students and prepared to guide their younger peers through structured activities and discussions.

A coordinating teacher oversees the program and supports the 91直播 Leaders, but the student-to-student dynamic is central to the program.

Two roles, one program

Every student in a 91直播 Support school plays a part, either as a 91直播 Leader or as a participant.

91直播 Leaders are typically senior students, either in Year 6 in primary, or in Year 10 at secondary school. The program can be formative for some students, who may have never had a leadership opportunity in the past.

At primary school, every student usually takes part. The participants are younger students from across grades. This provides an opportunity for kids across grades to build new connections.

At high school, the Year 7 students form the participant group. The program connects an older students with new students, helping the Year 7s transition with not only other same-grade peers, but senior students too.

The 91直播 often has a profound impact on the school culture, because of the cross-grade connections it builds, and the sense of responsibility and ownership that older students feel to their school community.

Research into the program has found that 69% of younger students who participated reported greater feelings of acceptance and inclusion. This is particularly meaningful in the important transition into high school.

The weekly sessions also teach social and emotional skills, such as how to have healthy relationships and acting with integrity.

What skills does the program build?

Whether your child is a leader or a participant, 91直播 Support is designed to develop a specific set of social and emotional literacy skills. These include:

• A sense of belonging and inclusion
• Empathy and active listening
• Resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks
• Self-confidence and self-esteem
• Positive relationship skills

Why does the peer-to-peer model matter?

There’s a reason the 91直播 uses students to lead other students. Research consistently shows that young people are significantly influenced by their peers. Research tells us that teens are more influenced by their peers than they are by adults.

The program initially started 50 years ago聽as a way to聽equip young people with the skills to support each other. It has evolved聽to cover a range of topics, all designed to support your child鈥檚 mental health and wellbeing.聽聽

Younger students benefit from having connections with older students, even if it’s just a high-five in the playground. And older students actively take ownership of their role, supporting the younger students. It adds up to help create a great school culture.

Which schools run it?

Hundreds of schools across Australia are current 91直播 Support members. The program is available to both primary and high schools, with tailored resources for each group. In primary schools, Year 6 students typically serve as 91直播 Leaders. In high schools, senior students take on the role to support incoming Year 7 students with the often challenging transition to secondary education.

What this means for your family

If your child’s school is running 91直播 Support, your child will participate as a 91直播 Leader or as a participant. Either way, they’ll be spending time in small group settings, engaging with meaningful topics, and building the kinds of skills that serve them well beyond the school gates.

You can support your child at home by asking them about the program, and what they鈥檙e learning. Your school has resources to share with you, including Information Leaflets about the 91直播 Support module they are running, and summaries of what is being covered each week in the 91直播 Support sessions. You can dig deeper by looking at the module they鈥檙e covering over the eight weeks, and reinforcing the learnings at home. This can be as simple as a family conversation about what makes a good friend.

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Once upon a time, children fought for control of the remote to the sole family television. Now the choice of screen-based content available to kids seems endless. There are computers, tablets, phones and gaming consoles offering streaming services, online content and apps.

Children also use devices at school, with digital literacy part of the from the start of school.

The speed and scale of this change has left parents, researchers and policymakers scrambling to catch up. And it has inevitably led to , as well as about limiting their use.

Our looks at the links between digital technology use and young children鈥檚 wellbeing, specifically for those aged four to six.

Our comprehensive analysis shows children who spend longer periods using digital technologies are more likely to have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. However, we can鈥檛 say at what age or level of screen use these negative effects are likely to become evident.

But for parents trying to navigate a world where technology is all around us, our study also shows there are things they can do to help their kids use screens in healthier ways.

Our study

We of the research literature on children鈥檚 use of digital devices since 2011 (after the Apple iPad was launched). This means we examined all the available peer-reviewed research on digital devices and their impact on wellbeing for children.

We also focused on ages four to six age as it is a time when children are developing rapidly and beginning school. Other studies have focused on particular types of device. But we included all kinds of digital devices in our search 鈥� from televisions to phones, tablets and gaming consoles 鈥� to make sure we could provide comprehensive analysis of what kids are using.

The studies came from 20 countries, including Australia, China, the United States, Turkey, Germany and Canada. They were almost exclusively based on parents鈥� reports of their children and include more than 83,000 parents.

4 areas of child wellbeing

From this, we analysed the relationship between children鈥檚 technology use and the following four areas:

1. psychosocial wellbeing: an overall measure that captures children鈥檚 happiness, as well as social and emotional adjustment.

2. social functioning: children鈥檚 social skills, including how well they get along with their peers.

3. the parent-child relationship: the level of closeness or conflict between parents and their children.

4. behavioural functioning: the absence of behavioural difficulties such as tech-related tantrums, hyperactivity, depression or anxiety.

We did this with a 鈥� a statistical method that uses data from multiple studies to draw conclusions.

What we found

Our analysis found more digital technology use in young children was associated with poorer wellbeing outcomes across the four areas.

It is important to note correlation doesn鈥檛 equal causation. The scope of the research means at this point, it is not possible to identify the exact reasons behind the negative relationships.

But we do know the more time children spent watching TV, playing on iPads or apps, the more likely they were to have problems with behaviour, social skills, their relationship with their parents, and their emotional wellbeing.

But tech use is more than just time

Our research also brought together which shows the relationship between digital tech use and child wellbeing is complex.

This means the type of content children consume, and the context in which they consume it, can also have a bearing on their wellbeing. The research shows there are several ways parents can guide their children to potentially mitigate the negative links with social, emotional and behavioural wellbeing.

With this in mind, how can you encourage healthier screen use?

3 tips for kids and screens

1. Keep an eye on the clock

The research cannot provide a specific 鈥渢ime limit鈥� for screen use. But you can still be mindful of how much time your child spends on devices both at home and at school 鈥� moderation is key.

Try and mix screen time with other activities, such as or time with friends and family, books or imaginary play.

2. Seek out quality

Research shows encouraging high-quality during screen use may curb negative links between tech use and wellbeing.

Consider swapping fast-paced cartoons and time spent on lots of short clips with educational viewing, for example ABC kids programs that promote learning.

Introduce your child to age-appropriate educational and interactive games that challenge them and encourage them to be creative.

3. Use tech together

Tech time isn鈥檛 just for kids 鈥� parents can also join in.

Solo tech use may reduce opportunities for positive social interactions. But watching or playing with friends or family opens up opportunities for conversation, working together and .

This could include watching a movie together and talking about the characters, working on an online puzzle together or learning new coding skills together.

, PhD Candidate, School of Psychology, ; , Professor of Education, , and , Senior Lecturer in Psychology,

This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .

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While at some point during their school years, research shows that supportive relationships and proactive guidance from parents and schools can make a real difference. Recent national attention, including the Federal Government鈥檚 鈥榬apid review鈥� of school anti-bullying approaches, highlights the importance of working together with families, schools, and communities to foster safe and supportive environments for all students.

As a parent, you play a vital role in recognising and nurturing your child鈥檚 strengths, helping them build the skills and relationships needed to flourish at school and beyond.

Recognising your child鈥檚 resilience

Your child鈥檚 natural ability to cope with challenges can grow stronger with your support. Children often turn to you first, showing the trust and strong bond you share. Here鈥檚 how to nurture their resilience:

• Identifying strengths: Observe how your child handles difficult situations. Are they creative problem-solvers? Do they stand up for what鈥檚 right? These qualities reveal resilience.
• Noticing behavioural changes: Pay attention to shifts in mood, confidence, or daily habits like eating and sleeping. These can signal when your child needs extra support and offer opportunities to connect.
• Trusting your instincts: You know your child best. If something feels off, gently explore it and offer a listening ear.

Building open communication

Creating a safe and supportive space helps your child feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Here鈥檚 how you can encourage open conversations:

• Create a safe space: Show genuine interest in your child鈥檚 online activities, games, and interests. Ask open-ended questions to encourage honest conversations without judgment.
• Listen and validate: When your child shares their feelings, focus on listening rather than immediately solving the problem. Let them know their emotions are valid and that you鈥檙e there to support them.
• Empower your child: Encourage your child to take an active role in managing the situation. Ask how they want to be supported and help them recognise their own strengths and resources.

Understanding school-wide initiatives

Knowing how schools address bullying can help you support your child, working collaboratively with educators. Many schools use comprehensive approaches as:

• Student education: Teaching what bullying is, how to respond as a bystander, and the importance of being an upstander.
• Clear policies: Implementing guidelines and training teachers to recognise early 鈥榞ateway behaviours鈥� that can escalate into bullying.
• Parental engagement: Providing parents with resources and information to support their children and spot warning signs.
• Program partnerships: Collaborating with wellbeing providers like the 91直播 to build connected, supportive school communities.

Building resilience

Helping your child develop skills to manage social challenges and stress can make a big difference. Try these strategies:

• Develop assertiveness: Practice role-playing scenarios to help your child confidently express their needs and set boundaries.
• Encourage friendships: Support your child in forming connections with peers who share their interests and values, as strong friendships can protect against bullying.
• Focus on strengths and interests: Encourage activities your child enjoys and excels at to boost confidence and self-esteem.
• Teach coping strategies: Introduce healthy ways to manage stress and emotions, such as exercise, mindfulness, or creative expression.
• Stay calm and supportive: When your child tells you about bullying, remain calm and reassuring. Let them know that you believe them and that you will work together to find a solution.

Creating a safe and supportive school community takes a whole-school approach to wellbeing. By working together – parents, students, and schools 鈥� we can create environments where all children feel valued and respected. 91直播 Support is proud to partner with schools in this important work, empowering students to build positive relationships and create a positive, connected and flourishing school culture.

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As parents and carers, we may wonder how to build resilience in children. Do we force our kids to go to soccer training when they don’t want to? Should we make them do their maths homework? Is it best to comfort them when they are hurt or let them recover independently? We face many small decisions as caregivers, and may worry that how we respond will impact our child’s resilience.

Resilience provides the psychological strength and skills to cope with and recover from challenges and hardship. It’s been defined in many ways: the ability to bounce back, the ability to cope, to find purpose in life and engage in meaningful activity, and to respond constructively in the face of challenge, adversity or stress.

How do we best build resilient humans?

Resilience is not one quality that people either have or don鈥檛 have. It鈥檚 made up of various behaviours and ways of thinking. These can be learned, developed and strengthened throughout life, and our sense of resilience can vary over time.

Here are eight tips for building resilience in your children.

1. Be caring and consistent

Be there for your child regardless of the situation so they feel safe and secure. Provide clarity of what they can rely on: you. This can help them develop strong attachments and a solid sense of belonging. Children who form secure attachments early in life have a greater capacity to form effective relationships later in life, which contributes towards resilience and mental health.

2. Identify and talk about feelings

Encourage your child to talk about how they鈥檙e feeling. Help them find words to describe their own and others鈥� feelings. This helps children understand the emotional world in which they live.

3. Teach techniques for self-regulation

You can teach your child techniques for calming down when they feel stressed, upset, or agitated.

Remain calm yourself and acknowledge your child鈥檚 feelings and experiences. Teach skills such as deep breathing and thinking helpful thoughts. It can also help to do something else, such as drawing or jumping on the trampoline.

4. Identify your child’s strengths

Children knowing their learning strengths helps them to make the most of what they do well. If you or your child are facing a challenge, discuss how to use strengths to figure out solutions and build up a problem solving toolbox.

(You might like to check out this free personalised available from clinical psychologist, Andrew Fuller.)

5. Nurture optimism

Optimism is one of the key characteristics of resilient people. It鈥檚 a habit of thinking about how we interpret events, and it can be taught.

Model being optimistic by looking for and pointing out the good side to events and experiences. Present setbacks as a natural part of learning that help us to recognise what we don鈥檛 know or can鈥檛 do yet. Encourage your child to set achievable goals and develop plans to work towards them.

Model and encourage healthy thinking habits such as positive self-talk, self-compassion, and a positive attitude.

6. Foster and maintain close relationships with caring, trusted adults in and outside the family.

As children grow, they increasingly look for affirmation outside of the family unit to work out who they are and where they fit. It can have a powerful positive impact on a child, when an adult identifies something special in them and looks beyond behaviour or a situation to affirm them. These trusted relationships can provide opportunities for your child to develop coping skills.

7. Teach your child that difficult times pass

Sometimes it鈥檚 hard for kids to realise life鈥檚 lows are temporary. Help your child realise that challenging times are a part of life and that things usually get better. Share how you, people you know, or even famous people have gone through difficult times. Practise how to handle these situations by discussing them, sharing your own stories, and perhaps using role plays.

8. Find purpose

Encourage your child to make meaningful contributions that help others. Encourage engagement in activities they really care about. Volunteering for a local organisation or simply supporting a friend can foster a sense of purpose and self-worth.

How to build resiliene in children: 5 FAQs

1. What is resilience, and why is it important for children?

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges, adversity, and setbacks. It’s vital for children as it helps them develop the skills to cope with life’s ups and downs, adapt to change, and face difficulties with confidence.

2. How can I foster resilience in my child?

Fostering resilience in children involves creating a supportive and nurturing environment. Encourage problem-solving, teach emotional regulation, provide opportunities for independence, and emphasise the importance of learning from failures.

3. Are there specific parenting strategies to build resilience in kids?

Yes, there are several effective parenting strategies for building resilience in children. These include promoting a growth mindset, encouraging perseverance, allowing them to make choices and mistakes, and providing a stable and loving home environment.

4. What role does communication play in raising resilient children?

Open and effective communication is crucial in raising resilient children. It helps children express their feelings, seek support, and understand that it’s okay to ask for help when facing challenges. Talking about resilience and sharing personal stories can also be beneficial.

5. How can I support my child without being overprotective?

Supporting your child without being overprotective involves finding a balance. Allow your child to face age-appropriate challenges and setbacks, while providing guidance and reassurance when needed. Encourage them to learn from their experiences and offer a safety net when necessary.

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