During adolescence, 50% of all mental health problems emerge, and these can have lifelong consequences. We believe that prevention is better than cure.

We also know we can prevent depression in 22% of young people at risk. However, the major problem is providing these prevention interventions easily and universally. The study aims to discover how we can use smartphones to deliver preventive interventions on a large scale. Comprehensive, technology-assisted data collection and analysis will also help to determine what triggers the development of mental health symptoms.

Year 8 students involved in the study will use smartphone apps across the five years, which will help us to:

• Determine what triggers the development of mental illness in young people; and
• Identify which measures may protect against the emergence of mental health problems.

Participating schools will be supported by a dedicated Future Proofing team including academics, researchers, clinicians, educators, project managers and coordinators.

The Future Proofing Team will provide support in class, face-to-face and over the phone throughout the study.

If you or your friend is feeling distressed, you may find the following services helpful. These services are both completely confidential and free.

Kids helpline - 1800 55 1800

headspace - 1800 650 890