Evaluation of the Smiling Mind Primary School Program 2023

In its various forms, the Smiling Mind Primary School Program (the Program) has been delivered in Australian schools since 2016. The Program is a mindfulness-based social and emotional learning (SEL) program designed for primary school students in Years 1 to 6. It aims to support the mental wellbeing and emotional resilience of students. The Program offers an online, digital, curriculum, delivered by trained classroom educators, that incorporates practices and techniques to help students develop skills for managing stress, building resilience, and enhancing their overall mental health.

The Program was delivered to 733 schools in 2023, and due to the ongoing implementation of the Program across multiple years, the study draws comparisons across different cohorts – including new and continuing schools. The evaluation is based on 2,654 surveys completed by educators, and 8,981 surveys completed by students in years 3 to 6.

Results indicate that most students and educators reported positive sentiment toward the Program, with educators and students identifying a range of improvements to student wellbeing. Students who showed greater enjoyment of the program, or took elements of the program home, yielded significantly higher wellbeing outcomes than comparative students. In addition, students reporting the greatest wellbeing benefits, also believed their educator effectively communicated the Program's purpose, delivered it enthusiastically, and fostered strong student bonds. The implications surrounding the relationship between program engagement, and educator delivery were discussed, including methodological considerations for future program evaluation.