Conclusion Although the primary focus of the COVID-19 and kids’ wellbeing surveys was to explore the impacts of the pandemic on children, it is clear that the way forward needs to move beyond COVID-19-specific measures only, both in the immediate and long-term. The survey responses from children and families, and what they suggested by way of supports, show that there is a need for systemic changes in how we support children’s mental health and wellbeing in Australia. Their responses demonstrate how ill-equipped our systems were to meet children’s needs during the pandemic. While governments put in place some measures to address mental health early on, we needed to understand much more rapidly the significant impacts on children’s mental health and wellbeing of both the pandemic and the restrictions, and to put in place systems that could support them. In some instances, existing systems could not respond effectively because they were already struggling to meet the needs of children and their families, particularly children and families facing disadvantage prior to the pandemic. 10 SECTION 128 | The problems of underfunded, fragmented and unresponsive systems have long confronted children and families. These issues have been drawing greater attention in recent years, as the result of research and inquiries, including the AHRC’s Keeping kids safe and well report. They are also receiving greater recognition in plans and strategies. The National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan recognises the interaction and intersection between mental health and social and economic disadvantage, and also recognises the need for a comprehensive and holistic response. In their responses to the survey, children, parents/guardians and grandparents, and stakeholders also identified some clear areas where we can improve our mental health and wellbeing measures going forward: • increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing • improving mental health and wellbeing support services and programs for children and their families • a greater role for schools in meeting children’s mental health and wellbeing needs • prioritising children and giving them a voice. These key areas are reflected in the eight recommendations in the report. Putting the best interests and wellbeing of children and families at the centre of government policies and adopting a holistic approach to child mental health and wellbeing will help all children, including those negatively impacted by the pandemic, face the future with hope and resilience. Notably, the National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy announced in 2021 charts a way forward for children under 12 and their families, responding to increasing knowledge that children and their families need holistic mental health and wellbeing support early on. ‘Mental health shapes my life’: COVID-19 & kids’ wellbeing • 2022 | 129