Reducing psychological distress in children and supporting their learning and development has long been a passion of UNE early childhood educator and researcher Dr Marg Rogers. So her latest project is an ideal fit.

As part of the virtual Manna Institute, Marg will bring her extensive practical expertise to a major Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) project aiming to help NSW school students cope better with climate-related disasters.

With a focus on rural and regional students, the project will test and evaluate the effectiveness of a new Psychological First Aid in Schools program (PFA-S) in 18 primary and secondary schools through a partnership involving ANU, UNSW, the NSW Department of Education, Emerging Minds and Manna, led by UNE. It will equip school staff with the mental health training and skills to alleviate student distress, to be employed in an emergency.

“Mental health issues are rising for our youth, due to COVID, the climate crisis, the world of social media and global insecurity,” said Dr Rogers. “Climate-related disasters will be more frequent and intense in future, so children are more likely to experience a number in their lifetime.

“Children could be affected if their preschool burns down or a flood goes through their classroom or home. But even worse, for many, is if their parents –their primary protectors – are first responders and put in danger. This is more likely to impact children and families in rural and regional Australia.”

Lead researcher Dr Emily MacLeod, from ANU’s Centre for Mental Health Research, said it was wonderful to have Marg on the team.

“Marg brings research experience with families and education, especially relevant to regional, rural and remote communities,” Dr MacLeod said. “Rural and regional communities have an increased risk of mental health impacts from disasters and critical incidents, partly because they are under-resourced and under-supported.

“We know that high levels of arousal and distress for prolonged periods of time increases risk for ongoing mental health difficulties. By giving school staff the skills to help keep children calm, hopeful and connected during an upsetting event, our framework seeks to reduce the risk of young people having long-lasting distress and mental ill-health.”

For her part, Dr Rogers said she will “bring the voice of the child” to the project. “I will also ensure students can provide feedback in a way that protects their wellbeing,” she said. “The project has the potential to support many children and young people, and also the professional development and wellbeing of school staff.”

If it proves to be an effective childhood disaster mental health prevention model, PFA-S could be rolled out nation-wide.

The project is pending the NSW Department of Education’s State Education Research and Partnerships (SERAP) process.