The Anxiety Project

Michael Hawton, psychologist, author, and retired teacher will be presenting at the Student Anxiety Summit on Friday, 27 February 2026 at the NSW Teachers' Federation in Surry Hills, Sydney.

Michael is the Director of Parentshop, and author of both the Resilience In Our Teens and The Anxiety Project programs. He has worked with the Australian Primary Principals Association and the Primary Principals' Association to address the growing issue of student anxiety. Both the primary and secondary programs are demonstrating significant improvements in teacher confidence and positive trends in reducing student anxiety and reducing parental unhelpful accommodations of anxious behaviour.

Why we need to turn the tide on student anxiety??

In November 2019, APPA worked with Hawton , to develop a survey exploring the reported high levels of childhood anxiety being observed in Australian schools.

All Government, Independent and Catholic Primary School leaders were invited to complete the survey and almost 700 replies were received, with many respondents adding additional detailed comments. A disturbing and significant national problem was highlighted by primary school leaders, who know that these increasing levels of childhood anxiety affect young children’s mental health and well-being, their ability to learn at school, as well as causing them at times to avoid normal challenging life situations. This report also revealed 81% of principals report anxiety as a significant school issue. Find out more and read the report here: https://bit.ly/4aHqIZk

This summit is a unique opportunity for School Leaders, Deputies, and Wellbeing Staff to:
- Collaborate with politicians, colleagues, and decision makers
- Engage with allied health professionals
- Discover effective models of care for Australian children and young people.

Friday, 27 February 2026
9:00am - 3:00pm | NSW Teachers' Federation, 37 Reservoir St, Surry Hills, NSW | $195.00 per person
SPACES ARE LIMITED - Book early to secure your place!

Register now and be part of the solution. Together, we can Collaborate. Innovate. Act.

Register via: www.parentshop.com.au

The Anxiety Project is rewriting the playbook on student wellbeing, and the results are remarkable.

Here's what makes this different:

Mental health issues are taking hold earlier than ever, we know that anxiety is an early precursor for more serious mental health issues as children get older. In Australia, there's been a 50% increase in diagnostic-level mental disorders among young people aged 16-24 since 2007—and these problems begin in childhood.

Traditionally most SEL programs focus on teaching kids meditation or gratitude exercises. While well-intentioned, these "fix-the-child" models miss a critical piece of the puzzle.

The Anxiety Project's approach is different, partnering with NSW Primary Principals' Association - This whole-school initiative focuses on all the adults around the child— teachers, school staff, and parents how to respond in "hot" moments when anxiety surfaces, rather than jumping in to rescue.

When we constantly help children avoid normal life challenges, we rob them of the chance to develop inner resourcefulness. The more we "rescue," the less equipped they become.

What's working:
✓ Teaching children about their brains while changing adult behaviour
✓ Equipping teachers with specific responses for anxiety-triggering moments
✓ Reducing unhelpful accommodations that fuel avoidance patterns
✓ Aligning with school improvement plans for sustainable culture change for the whole school community
✓ Engaging parents to create consistent language and approaches to managing anxiety.

An unexpected outcome:

Teachers report finding renewed purpose in their roles. School culture is transforming. And the skills are transferring to educators' own families at home.

With 139 Australian schools already implementing The Anxiety Project and data showing measurable decreases in student anxiety, this partnership between Michael Hawton's Parentshop and the NSW Primary Principals' Association represents a genuine rethink of early intervention.

Early intervention isn't just important—it's everything. Because anxiety starts as habits, and habits formed in primary school shape adult outcomes. Learn more here: https://www.nswppa.org.au/the-anxiety-project

Read the full story below from The Educator: Inside a school-based rethink on childhood anxiety: https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/inside-a-schoolbased-rethink-on-childhood-anxiety/288658

Inside a school-based rethink on childhood anxiety As childhood anxiety rises, schools are rethinking rescue reflexes, focusing on adult behaviour, early intervention and ‘hot moment’ responses that build resilience

Don't miss out! — Student Anxiety Summit 2026.

The National Student Wellbeing Summit 2026 will bring together Australia’s leading educators, psychologists, and school wellbeing champions.

Friday 27 February 2026 - Full Day
NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre.

This national event will explore how schools can better support the mental health and resilience of young people — from prevention to practical strategies to improve student and teacher wellbeing.

Be part of this vital conversation - Register here: https://bit.ly/3X69LQk

"When you get a whole community not only knowledgeable about the problem, but skilled in dealing with it – that's where you get change.” - The Anxiety Project transforms school communities by creating a unified approach to wellbeing: EOI Closing 10th December.

Find out more about The Anxiety Project now: https://www.nswppa.org.au/the-anxiety-project

A very heartfelt thank you to all the hardworking school counsellors and psychologists that support student wellbeing, growth and long term resilience.

Friday 7th November 2025 is School Counsellor and School Psychologist Recognition Day.

Today we acknowledge the vital work of our school counsellors and psychologists - professionals who support student wellbeing, guide complex decision-making, and contribute to a safe and supportive school culture.

Their work often happens quietly, but its impact is far-reaching. Thank you to all@of our counsellors and psychologists for the expertise, care, and collaboration you bring every day.