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Objective: To describe the rationale, conceptual framework and content of the intervention for the beyondblue Schools Research Initiative. Conclusions: The beyondblue Schools Research Initiative aims to prevent the development of depression in young people through increasing individual and environmental protective factors within the school context. The model draws on evidence that demonstrates the important role played by individual and environmental characteristics in buffering the impact of adversity. The school provides a forum in which both individual and environmental change may be produced in order to increase some of these key protective characteristics. The project also draws together health, education and other key services to provide more effective pathways to enable young people to receive professional help when required.

Objective: This article reports some of the main findings from the recent national survey of the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents and considers its implications. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of mental health problems in Australian children and adolescents, and these have a significant impact on sufferers and their families. We will need to collect ongoing data about child and adolescent mental health to monitor the effectiveness of our response to these problems. ADHD is surprisingly common and greater attention needs to be given to research on ADHD in Australia. The resources devoted to child and adolescent mental health services are currently not adequate or equitable and need boosting, as do efforts to increase primary mental health care for this population. Whole population and selected prevention and early intervention approaches offer the most logical method for lowering the prevalence and burden of disorder. Community education for parents, and a boost to research and training in child and adolescent mental health is required if we are to make a difference.