The Edith Cowan University (ECU) report, led by psychology researcher Dr Shane Rogers, found that tracking students’ moods over several weeks, provides a far more accurate picture than a single snapshot in time. 

“Most schools use a one-off survey, which captures how a student feels on that day,” Rogers says. 

“But young people’s emotions can change quickly. Looking at patterns over time gives a clearer picture of who may actually need support.” 

The study followed more than 750 secondary students in Australia and the United Kingdom, who completed weekly mood check-ins over six to seven weeks. 

While most students showed stable wellbeing, 17 per cent moved above and below the threshold used to flag low wellbeing, meaning a single assessment could misclassify them. 

“A single bad day shouldn’t determine whether a student is identified as needing help,” Rogers says. 

“We found repeated mood monitoring provides a more reliable basis for identifying students who may be struggling.” 

Students were also receptive to the approach, with more than half reporting the check-ins helped them better understand their emotions. 

The findings were consistent across both countries, suggesting the approach could be applied broadly across school systems. 

New free mood monitoring app available for schools 

Rogers says the research highlights the need to rethink how schools screen for mental health challenges. 

Following the findings of this research he has developed a freely available app-based solution, called Monitoring Emotion and Other Wellbeing, to support regular mood check-in at schools. 

“Rather than relying on a single survey, short, regular check-ins can build a more accurate picture over time,” Rogers suggests. 

“This isn’t about replacing teachers or counsellors, but improving early identification so support reaches the right students. 

“At its core, the goal is simple. Make sure the right students are getting help at the right time.” 

headspace research from October last year indicates a mental health crisis in Australia, with nearly 50 per cent of young people (12-25) experiencing high psychological distress, rising to 65 per cent for 18-25 year-olds.

Key drivers include financial insecurity, climate change, and school stress, with girls and LGBTQIA+ youth disproportionately affected.

The Burnet Institute estimates that more than four million teens could face mental health issues by age 20, and has called for urgent investment in prevention, while the 2024 Australian Youth Barometer, produced by Monash University, found that 98 per cent of young people reported anxiety/depression symptoms in the past year.

Click here to read the paper titled ‘Mood Monitoring in Schools: A promising alternative to single-time-point screening’.