Section 2: About the surveys The 9–17 age group were targeted because late childhood and early adolescence is a common time for initial onset (or diagnosis) of mental health conditions.7 Transitioning from childhood into early adolescence includes the onset of puberty combined with significant social and environmental changes, such as the move from primary school to high school, and changes in family and community expectations as a result of this transition. This can make early adolescence a particularly stressful time. While experiencing stress is normal, high levels of stress can lead to mental health problems, and existing mental health problems can heighten negative responses to stress.8 Given that early adolescence is already known to be a critical juncture, it is important that the added complexity of the pandemic is explored for this age group. 2.3 Methodology The project involved a mixed methods approach. This included surveys with children, parents/guardians and grandparents to understand their experiences, as well as consultations with a small number of stakeholders who were involved in the delivery of mental health services for children. These stakeholder consultations helped to inform the design of the surveys. Roundtables were also conducted following an initial analysis of the survey responses, providing an opportunity to gain additional insights from key experts. (a) Human rights-based approach A human rights-based approach guided all aspects of this project. The most common description of a human rights-based approach is the PANEL framework:9 20 | These principles guided the survey design and distribution process, including the information provided to participants, and the approach to analysis and report writing. (b) Literature review The design of the surveys was informed by a literature review, which included a review of the existing literature on child mental health and wellbeing in Australia, both pre-pandemic and contemporary, and the systems and conditions that support positive mental health and wellbeing. It also included a review of relevant government policies to understand the government decisions about pandemic-related restrictions. The review primarily considered literature published over the past 10 years. However, given the emergent nature of evidence around the impact of the pandemic on children’s mental health and wellbeing, other sources, such as reports from key non-government organisations and some media reports quoting recognised experts about the potential impacts, are also referenced. The literature review is located in Appendix 1 and is referred to where relevant specific findings have been cited in the body of this report. Additional literature was also identified after the initial review was completed, and is included throughout the report to support findings. (c) Stakeholder interviews Stakeholder interviews were held with representatives from seven key mental health services that provide mental health support for children. The services were located across Australia, but were predominantly in New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, and South Australia. The primary purpose of the stakeholder interviews was to inform the design of the surveys and ensure they included questions about the mental health and wellbeing issues commonly raised with key service providers by children during the pandemic. The interviews occurred during October and November 2021 via video conferencing and were up to one hour in length. Interviewees were asked for their observations on children’s mental health during the pandemic, and about how they adapted their practice to assist children, and parents/guardians and grandparents during this time. (d) Survey design Two online surveys were developed—one targeted at children aged 9–17 years, and the other targeted at parents/guardians and grandparents. The surveys were programmed using Qualtrics and housed on the Australian Human Rights Commission’s (AHRC) website. The children’s survey included 34 questions consisting of a mixture of Likert scales, dichotomous questions, checklists, and free-text items. The survey for parents/guardians and grandparents was designed to complement the children’s survey. Parents/guardians and grandparents were invited to participate if they had a child in their family aged 9–17. The survey included questions about their own experiences, and those of their child. After answering questions about their own experiences and feelings, parents/guardians and grandparents were provided with the option to complete a survey on behalf of their child aged 9–17 about their experiences or they could nominate for their child to complete their own survey about their experiences. Around a third of the parents/ guardians and grandparents group opted to complete the children’s survey questions on behalf of their child. ‘Mental health shapes my life’: COVID-19 & kids’ wellbeing • 2022 | 21