The government has pumped an extra $110 million into school-based programs in an attempt to fight depression and anxiety in young people.

The money will bring about an overhaul of the physical education curriculum, with teachers being trained to identify mental illness in their students.

Online mental health services ReachOut and Kids Helpline will also receive a boost in funding.

Psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg tells Mark Levy he supports the focus on early intervention in schools.

“I think we have to use teachers. They’re at the frontline.

“Early identification and prompt treatment will always result in a much better outcome. The government has thought this through very well.”

Dr Carr-Gregg says educating primary school children must be done in an age-appropriate way.

“The thing that lies behind youth suicide is depression.

“If we talk not about suicide but about the mental illness precursor… that can only be a good thing.”

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