Aussie Optimism provides teachers, practitioners and parents with practical strategies and resources for developing children's social competence, self-management, and positive thinking in every day life, during times of stress, and across transitions, like the move to high school. The programs are developmentally appropriate for children in middle and upper primary, and lower secondary school.

Aussie Optimism comprises three classroom-based programs, Positive Thinking Skills, Social Life Skills and Optimistic Thinking Skills, and a program for Parents and Families. Each of the classroom-based programs consists of 10 modules supported by a Teacher Resource, Student Booklet and Parent Booklet.

Aussie Optimism programs and training developed in collaboration with experts in the fields of education, psychology, and health promotion have been extensively evaluated since 1997. More than 895 teachers and practitioners have received training in Aussie Optimism and over 13,000 students have participated in the programs in Years 4-8, from more than 200 schools in both city and rural areas of Western Australia, Queensland, the ACT and Tasmania.

Aussie Optimism & Kids - Children participating in Aussie Optimism programs have shown less depression, anxiety and worry and more enhanced self-esteem and optimism, with effects observed up to three years later. These changes are significant enough to be observed by parents, who have reported fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression in their children following the classroom-based programs.

Aussie Optimism & Families - Families who participate in the family-based program are better able to solve family problems, communicate more effectively with one another and take a more active role in the management of the behaviour of young people in their family.

Aussie Optimism & Schools - Aussie Optimism enhances students' self-management and interpersonal skills and the capacity of families, teachers and schools to promote social and emotional wellbeing. Students, parents and teachers have rated the programs as informative, enjoyable and as providing useful skills to deal with the stresses and strains of childhood and adolescence. Using the programs across school years provides a solid base for teachers, parents and other carers to build skills developmentally to prevent anxiety and depression and help children thrive in today's world.

Aussie Optimism is an evidence-based comprehensive mental health promotion program linked to the Western Australian Curriculum Framework and other Department of Education and Training policies, such as Students at Educational Risk. It supports outcomes within the Health and Physical Education Learning Area, with many other cross-curricular links. Aussie Optimism works in partnership with the Department of Education and Training, and the Office of Mental Health, Western Australia.

For a research synopsis that follows the Aussie Optimism program from efficacy to dissemination, click here.

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