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Cool Kids Online

Macquarie University

Cool Kids Online offers evidence-based, structured programs to help students with high anxiety or clinical anxiety disorders manage their feelings and reduce impact on daily life. Delivered online, with versions for preschool, primary, and high school.

  • Online

Pricing: Paid

Origin: Developed in Australia for Australian schooling contexts

Product type: Program; Online resources (e.g. videos, games, tools, readings); Activity sheets; Student activities; External support services

Contact details

Macquarie University
ABN: 90 952 801 237

https://www.mq.edu.au/research/research-centres-groups-and-facilities/centres/lifespan-health-and-wellbeing/emotional-health-clinic/treatment-programs-for-children-and-teens/cool-kids

ehc.admin@mq.edu.au

Focus areas

  • Mental health literacy and life skills

  • Self-regulation and engagement

Curriculum alignment

Prospective users

Audience: Targeted small group early intervention (Tier 2), Intensive individualised approach (Tier 3)

Context: School or centre-based, Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), E-schools

Main beneficiaries: Foundation/Prep, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12

Delivery style: Classroom teacher is trained; Delivered by program staff

Aims & approach

Cool Little Kids Online (<7), Cool Kids Online (7–12), and Chilled Out (13+) are structured, web-based programs that teach anxious young people practical skills to manage anxiety.

All programs can be accessed from home with caregiver support appropriate to age. Delivery options include self-help (recommended only for Cool Little Kids) or professional support, which may be provided by external clinicians or trained school staff. Professional facilitator training and accreditation are offered through Macquarie University.

Each program includes around eight modules using text, video, and audio, plus practice tasks and downloadable worksheets. Caregiver involvement varies by age: full delivery for preschool, primary support for younger children, and as-needed support for teens. In schools, sessions can be delivered individually or in small groups.

Implementation support

  • Implementation training webinars or modules
  • Regular webinars or access to community of professional practice

Evidence

Multiple clinical trials show strong outcomes for anxiety symptoms and life impact (e.g., school attendance, sleep, relationships).

References:
McLellan, L. F., Woon, S., Hudson, J. L., Lyneham, H. J., Karin, E., & Rapee, R. M. (2024).
Treating child anxiety using family-based internet delivered cognitive behavior therapy with brief therapist guidance: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Anxiety Disorders.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janx...
Schniering, C. A., Einstein, D., Kirkman, J. J. L., & Rapee, R. M. (2022).
Online treatment of adolescents with comorbid anxiety and depression: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 311, 88–94.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad....
Wuthrich, V., Rapee, R. M., McLellan, L., Wignall, A., Jagiello, T., Norberg, M., & Belcher, J. (2021).
Psychological stepped care for anxious adolescents in community mental health services: A pilot effectiveness trial. Psychiatry Research.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyc...