It's time to confront the deadliest demon of them all

Furthermore, evidence-based programs have been implemented in Italy and Britain, where school time has been given over to the teaching of social and emotional learning. These programs improve self-efficacy and reduce feelings of hopelessness. Students are taught how to rationalise problems and build resilience. Italy and Britain have youth suicide rates less than half that of Australia.

Similar programs are implemented in most Australian schools but on an ad hoc basis, with little direction from the government. I propose they be fully integrated into a national curriculum, with appropriate teacher training, funding and time allocation.

Academic learning is important, but it depends on students' well-being. If we can distance ourselves from rote learning and be weaned off our addiction to standardised testing, we could give young Australians a fighting chance of surviving the epidemic, and enable them to lead fulfilling lives and play a part in creating a better society for future generations. This could just be the education revolution we have heard so much about.

The federal government wants to have the national curriculum ready by December. I would hope the government would show more patience when developing a curriculum that has the potential to affect the wellbeing of every child in Australia.

Depression is to suicide as obesity is to diabetes, and it is killing our children. At the very least, can we please start talking about it?