A peer-reviewed evaluation has revealed that the Decode mental health program, a collaboration between Matterworks and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), has successfully increased mental health literacy by 7% and reduced stigma surrounding mental health by 19% among students and teachers in Australia.
Designed to tackle the mental health challenges faced by young Australians, Decode uses evidence-based research from MCRI to engage students through social media-style content and influencers sharing lived experiences. The evaluation found that 67% of participants and 86% of teachers reported positive engagement with the program.
Professor Harriet Hiscock, Chief Health Officer at Matterworks and Group Lead of Health Services at MCRI, emphasized the importance of early intervention and prevention in schools, noting, “With youth mental health at a crisis point in Australia, reaching young people in schools and on digital platforms is key to making long-term change. The Decode program demonstrates that we can meet students where they are, delivering practical solutions that have a real impact.”
Simone Darling, Research Director at Matterworks and Principal Investigator, highlighted the program’s success in shifting attitudes and behaviors: “By engaging students in a way that resonates with them, we’re seeing real improvements in literacy and help-seeking behaviors. This shift is essential for encouraging open, stigma-free conversations among young people about mental health.”
The evaluation findings come at a time when the Australian government is considering stricter regulations on social media use for individuals under 16. Kylie Robertson, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Matterworks, noted the importance of leveraging social media as a platform to connect with young people, stating, “Social media is where young people spend much of their time. Decode was created to meet them there, with content and influencers that are relevant and engaging to students.”
The results also demonstrated that Decode empowered teachers to discuss mental health in the classroom, an area where many had previously lacked training. This shift has led to students becoming more open and positive about their own mental health, moving away from the stigma traditionally associated with terms like “mental illness.”
Jonathan Morgan, CEO of Education Perfect, expressed pride in the program’s impact, stating, “We’re proud to see Decode positively influencing both teachers and students. By providing evidence-based mental health education and tools, we can transform how schools address these critical issues. The improvements in student outcomes show that Decode is making a meaningful difference in supporting mental health in schools.”
While social media remains a prominent part of young people’s lives, Sarah Wyse, Co-founder and CEO of Matterworks, emphasized the need for a broader approach to public health messaging: “Social media isn’t going anywhere, and traditional channels are no longer the most effective way to reach young people. We need to bridge that gap by delivering engaging, research-driven content where they already are. Matterworks is committed to making that happen.”
The Decode program’s success underscores the growing need to adapt mental health education to today’s media landscape, providing accessible and relevant resources that resonate with young people.
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