Early Childhood Development and Mental Health Outcomes

Optimal development during early childhood plays a key role in long-term mental health and social-emotional wellbeing.

Summary

Optimal development during early childhood plays a key role in long-term mental health and social-emotional wellbeing. However, research suggests that large numbers of Australian children face developmental challenges when starting school, which may hinder these outcomes.

Research has demonstrated pervasive impacts of poorer mental health and wellbeing during childhood on outcomes later in life.

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