The Victorian Government has released new resources to help students, teachers and families better navigate the mental-health impacts of social media and screentime, as schools continue to grapple with the challenges of an increasingly digital world.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Mr Ben Carroll this week announced the rollout of ScrollSafe, a suite of evidence-informed resources designed to support secondary students to stay safe online and make choices that protect their wellbeing. The materials, developed by Orygen, are now available to schools across Victoria.
ScrollSafe includes a student-friendly online hub offering simple, practical advice through a “10 Tips” guide, along with a booklet, take-home flyer and a digital wellbeing plan to help young people reflect on their online habits. Teachers will also have access to tools to guide conversations about social media use, mental health and online behaviour.
Families are a central focus of the initiative. A dedicated parent hub provides clear information, videos and tips to help parents and carers start conversations about social media, online safety and wellbeing at home.
The resources form part of the government’s $3.5 million Safe Socials program, which aims to build digital literacy and support safe online experiences. ScrollSafe is optional for schools and does not introduce new compliance requirements, instead complementing existing wellbeing programs.
These efforts build on ongoing investment in the Mental Health in Primary Schools program, delivered with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the University of Melbourne. The program has helped reduce mental-health stigma and strengthen emotional skills among young students, with the final group of schools set to join in early 2026.
Mr Carroll said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to giving young people the tools they need to thrive.
“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.”
“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.”
Education experts have welcomed the release, highlighting the value of collaborative approaches to student wellbeing.
Professor Mary Ryan, Dean of Education at Monash University, said the initiative recognises that supporting young people requires coordinated action across school communities.
“These resources recognise that supporting young people’s wellbeing requires collaboration across schools, families and the wider community. 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.”
“Initiatives like ScrollSafe reflect our shared commitment to creating safer, more inclusive learning environments where every child feels supported to thrive, both online and offline.”
Professor Michael Phillips, Professor of Digital Transformation at Monash University and Co-Director of the Monash Virtual School, said ScrollSafe represents an important step, while noting the broader context of technology and wellbeing.
“The release of the ScrollSafe resources marks a constructive step in supporting young people’s mental health at school and online. 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.”
He noted that while digital platforms can pose risks, they also create opportunities – particularly for students who may face disadvantage or barriers to traditional 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. When designed and used thoughtfully, these tools can help reduce barriers to participation and give students more agency in their learning and wellbeing.”
Prof Phillips also welcomed the government’s continued investment in early intervention.
“Embedding digital literacy and wellbeing initiatives within this larger framework ensures schools are better equipped to respond to the evolving needs of their students, without placing additional burdens on teachers.”
While both experts agree more work is needed to ensure all young people can benefit equitably from digital environments, they say ScrollSafe is a meaningful step toward a balanced, inclusive approach to student wellbeing.
The ScrollSafe resources are now available to Victorian schools through the Safe Socials program.
