Psychologist explains rise in VCE exam ‘mental health’ exemptions

Almost half of all VCE exam exemptions are being granted on “mental health grounds”, according to the latest reports.

Child and adolescent psychologist Deirdre Brandner told 3AW Mornings host Tom Elliott she was “not surprised by this”.

“The data tells [us] that they are 2½ times higher than they were pre-COVID … COVID didn’t cause these issues, but it amplified the vulnerability of those students,” Brandner said.

Press PLAY to hear how COVID has impacted the mental health of school-aged Australians

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