Examining the impact of a universal positive psychology program on mental health outcomes among Australian secondary students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: This study aimed to examine the impact of a web-based positive psychology program delivered universally to secondary school students during school closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales, Australia.

Methods: Using a quasi-experimental design conducted in 2020, 438 students aged 12-15 years (73% male) from 4 secondary schools were invited to complete the 'Bite Back Mental Fitness Challenge'. This web-based program consisted of 7 self-directed modules that targeted 5 key domains of positive psychology.

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a CBT-based smartphone application for improving mental health outcomes in adolescents: the MobiliseMe study.

Background: Depression is a leading cause of disability in adolescents, however few receive evidence-based treatment. Despite having the potential to overcome barriers to treatment uptake and adherence, there are very few CBT-based smartphone apps for adolescents. To address this gap, we developed ClearlyMe®, a self-guided CBT smartphone app for adolescent depression and anxiety.

Appropriate Use and Operationalization of Adherence to Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety in Youth: Systematic Review.

Background: Digital, self-guided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions circumvent many barriers to in-person therapy for young people (aged 12-24 years), although adherence to these interventions is low. The absence or insufficient disclosure of recommendations or instructions for appropriate use may account for this. As such, many young people may not self-administer these interventions appropriately or receive the optimal degree of treatment.

Examining the Preliminary Effectiveness and Acceptability of a Web-Based Training Program for Australian Secondary School Teachers: Pilot Study of the BEAM (Building Educators' Skills in Adolescent Mental Health) Program.

Background: Secondary schools are increasingly supporting adolescents' mental health and well-being, yet many teachers report that they lack the skills and confidence to do so. Building Educators' skills in Adolescent Mental Health (BEAM) is a web-based training program developed to improve secondary school teachers' knowledge and confidence in caring for students' mental health.

Objective: This pilot study examined the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of the BEAM program for improving mental health knowledge, attitudes, confidence, helping behaviors, and psychological distress among secondary school teachers.

A cluster randomised controlled trial of a web-based youth mental health service in Australian schools.

Background: Secondary schools have attempted to address gaps in help-seeking for mental health problems with little success. This trial evaluated the effectiveness of a universal web-based service (Smooth Sailing) for improving help-seeking intentions for mental health problems and other related outcomes among students.

Methods: A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the 12-week outcomes of the Smooth Sailing service among 1841 students from 22 secondary schools in New South Wales, Australia.