Leading clinical psychologist to help students check their wellbeing

Checking up on students wellbeing is a good idea but putting it into practice can be arduous, multi page surveys take a long time to fill out and then there is the task of collating and interpreting the data.

Leveraging an easy to use interface Skodel seeks to take the pain out of monitoring student mental health, kids can check in in minutes and a profile of their mental state built over time.

To boost its clinical rigour, Skodel has announced a partnership with Andrew Fuller, Australia's leading clinical psychologist for families, children and school communities.

Fuller is a Fellow of the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Learning and Educational Development at the University of Melbourne, and has worked with more than 3,000 schools and 500,000 young people across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the UK.

Fuller said that the work Skodel is doing is crucial in addressing the growing issue of mental illness among young children and adolescents.

“Skodel enables schools to reliably check-in with young people and provide assistance in planning to increase well-being. I am delighted to recommend this initiative to schools,” he said.

Fuller will assist the development of evidence-informed resources to help school communities respond to student wellbeing issues.

Co-founder of Skodel, Julian Fagan, “Our check-in app is a short and engaging way for students to express how they’re feeling. While the data is key for wellbeing planning and identifying at-risk students, the response is equally important,” Julian said.

“With Andrew’s resources and programs, we can now aid teachers and leaders in managing wellbeing issues as they arise.”

“It’s also important to remember that student wellbeing shouldn’t be the sole responsibility of teachers, principals and parents. Skodel’s resources will empower students with the knowledge and tools to track and improve their own wellbeing.”

Skodel’s other co-founder, Ian Fagan, added that the company was excited to partner with someone of Andrew’s calibre, and that the partnership would open up opportunities to support more schools.

“It is very hard to find academics that can engage students and teachers the way Andrew does. He is able to articulate important concepts about mental health and wellbeing in a way that is listened to, engaged with and absorbed.”

“Importantly, Andrew has significant experience working within school communities at all levels, from senior leadership to the classroom. This experience will ensure resources are practical and fit within the unique dynamics of the busy school environment.”