Highlights in child mental health research: May 2026

Prepared by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS)

Financial hardship and psychological distress among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

This study analysed data from the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children to explore the relationship between family financial hardship and child psychological distress. When families experienced financial shortages or stress, children and parents/carers experienced more psychological distress. Positive child–mother relationships and community support were protective factors against child psychological distress.

Associations between parenting practices and parental burnout, mental health and children’s externalising behaviours

This study surveyed 140 Australian caregivers who had been referred to parenting support programs, to examine the relationship between parental burnout and parental behaviours in at-risk families. Higher levels of parental burnout were associated with less positive (e.g. warm and supportive) and more negative (e.g. hostile or coercive) parenting behaviours. Children’s challenging behaviours and parental mental health symptoms were associated with increased negative parenting.

The impact of COVID-19 on children’s social-emotional skills, behavioural adjustment and psychological wellbeing

This study synthesised 157 longitudinal studies across 33 countries to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted children (aged 0–12 years). Children showed declines in social-emotional skills and wellbeing and increased behavioural problems compared to pre-pandemic levels. Outcomes worsened early in the pandemic but did not continue to decline. Stricter and more prolonged restrictions were associated with poorer wellbeing and increases in internalising and externalising behaviours.

Mental health continuum of care for children with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

This evidence synthesis examined 21 qualitative studies about children’s experiences with ACE-related mental health services. Children and their families reported multiple barriers to accessing support services. This included reluctance to seek help due to shame or stigma, difficulties navigating complex service systems, re-traumatising experiences when they attended services and lack of workforce capacity. Children were more likely to engage with services that prioritised trust-building, relational safety and flexible care.