The Anxiety Project

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STUDENT ANXIETY SUMMIT FEBRUARY 2026

Keynote speaker: Professor Patrick McGorry, AO

This day was an excellent opportunity for school leaders, deputies and wellbeing staff to engage with politicians, colleagues, decision makers and allied health professionals to discuss effective models of care to turn the tide on the growing number of Australian children and young people experiencing anxiety problems.

What we know is that untreated anxiety problems are a ‘gateway’ to later more serious psychological problems in the teen years. Its roots are in childhood, but the headwinds and the megatrends are operating in this very vulnerable period between puberty and young adulthood.

The event was presented by Parentshop, Australia's leading childhood anxiety, child, teen and adult behaviour-change specialist.

A man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a suit and tie, speaking at a podium during a conference about student anxiety.

A large conference room filled with diverse attendees seated in blue chairs, listening to a speaker or presentation. Some attendees are taking notes or using laptops, with a few standing or walking around. The room has a modern design with colorful w

People sitting in an auditorium, smiling and laughing during an event.

A young woman with long dark hair, wearing a denim jacket and sparkly pants, is sitting on a tall stool and speaking into a microphone. Next to her, a man with long hair tied back, wearing a patterned shirt, is playing an acoustic guitar. They are on