Feasibility and Acceptability of a Classroom-Based Mental Health Literacy Program: An Australian Pilot Study

Given the escalating concern surrounding mental health issues among school-age children, this study evaluated the benefits, feasibility, and acceptability of the Open Parachute mental health literacy program, designed to foster mental health skills through classroom instruction. This study asked 37 Australian educators, spanning primary to secondary school, to report on their experiences with the Open Parachute program. 50 percent of participants reported the program improved student mental health literacy and support skills, with 89% of educators intending to use the program again and 92% reporting they would recommend it to a colleague, demonstrating high feasibility and acceptability. Educators reported that they observed greater skill use, and gains in emotional regulation and empathy, in primary students compared to secondary school students. The findings of this study provide preliminary evidence for the utility of the Open Parachute program and the potential benefits of universal early mental health literacy instruction in school.