Australian Experts Call for Greater Investment in Youth Mental Health Prevention
03 Nov 2026
The film, Raising Superheroes, explores how building resilience early in life may reduce the risk of anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges later on.
The documentary brings together health researchers and child mental health experts from around the world. It looks at how families, schools and communities can create supportive environments that help young people develop and maintain good mental health.
Experts featured in the film suggest that social connection and stable relationships can act as a form of protection against mental health difficulties. They also highlight the importance of recognising early warning signs and providing support before problems become more serious.
Professor Frank Oberklaid, paediatrician and Foundation Director of the Centre for Community Child Health at the Royal Children's Hospital and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, says more attention needs to be given to preventing mental health conditions during childhood.
He said more than half of adult mental health problems begin before the age of 14. Early signs can often be identified at school or during GP appointments, allowing children to receive support before their difficulties become more complex.
Professor Oberklaid believes early identification, practical support and timely intervention are important, but prevention continues to receive limited funding.
Calls for More Mental Health Prevention Funding
Raising Superheroes is part of the national 5% for Prevention campaign, which calls on the Federal Government to direct at least 5% of the mental health budget towards evidence-based prevention.
Currently, less than 1% of national funding goes directly towards prevention, health promotion, self-help and education services.
Film director and producer Shannon Harvey said the project began after she learned that half of all mental illness starts before the age of 14. This raised questions about whether earlier action could help prevent some conditions.
She said conversations with Professor Oberklaid also helped inspire the campaign and its focus on making mental health prevention a national priority.
Families, Schools and Communities Have a Role
Dr Stephen Carbone, founder of Prevention United, says improving young people's mental health involves more than teaching them coping skills.
He highlights the importance of supportive home environments, schools and local communities in protecting emotional and social wellbeing.
Dr Carbone says Australia needs to focus not only on supporting people who already experience mental health difficulties but also on reducing the risk of conditions such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders developing in the first place.
The documentary is aimed at parents, GPs, healthcare professionals and anyone interested in understanding how early prevention can support young people's wellbeing.
GPs Have an Important Role in Early Support
Professor Oberklaid says GPs are well placed to identify early concerns because they often know children and their families over several years.
Through regular appointments and ongoing relationships, GPs can recognise changes in a child's wellbeing, discuss concerns with parents and help arrange early support.
He also highlighted the role of GPs in the Federal Government's Thriving Kids initiative, including the three-year-old health check.
The experts say mental health prevention should begin early and involve the places where children live, learn and play.
The film's broader message is to take action before young people become unwell and ensure prevention receives greater attention and funding.
Australian Experts Call for Greater Investment in Youth Mental Health Prevention
Source: RACGP newsGP.