A 2026 article in the Educator highlights research that shows the transition to secondary school can “trigger a sustained decline in student wellbeing.”
According to the article:
Tracking more than 20,000 South Australian students as they moved into high school, researchers from Adelaide University found wellbeing fell across every area measured – from happiness and optimism to perseverance, emotional regulation and life satisfaction – while sadness and worry climbed.
The research recommends:
- More sustained wellbeing support for students in the early secondary years
- Listening to student voices about wellbeing issues
- Recognising the importance of strong relationships – with other students and with staff – in maintaining wellbeing. This is why Parents Victoria advocates for Relationship based Education (RbE).