From social media pressure and academic expectations to maintaining peer relationships and a balanced lifestyle, adolescents today are navigating an unprecedented, continually shifting landscape of stressors. Parents now ranking mental health as their top concern for their children. Student wellbeing is a key pillar at Dunecrest American School, and a robust counselling program is in place spanning Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle & High School. This year, the program has been further fortified using a proactive, data-informed approach by implementing the Komodo Wellbeing Student Surveys.

Recognizing that openly expressing mental health concerns may be challenging for students, and supported by research that self-reported data can better represent adolescents’ internal world and lived experience, Komodo’s surveys offer students a non-confrontational, non-judgemental way to report if anything is troubling them. From academic pressure to sleep issues, bullying, social relationships, connectedness to the community and other factors, data is collected by way of regular check-ins,  giving school leaders powerful insights into student wellbeing and the difficulties they face, and providing opportunities for early prevention

The check-ins, developed by educational psychologists, are conducted via the Komodo app and assess multiple aspects of wellbeing: emotional, social, physical, and digital. Students receive a personalized wellbeing score, can request staff check-ins, or even share compliment badges with teachers—creating a positive feedback loop within the school community.

Students receive a personalized wellbeing score, can request staff check-ins, or even share compliment badges with teachers-creating a positive feedback loop within the school community.

A Strategic, Data-Driven Wellbeing Program

The data collected from Komodo helps Dunecrest stay responsive to the evolving needs of its students. It provides valuable insights into key developmental areas, including social, emotional, digital, and physical wellbeing. The surveys provide visibility on trends across key wellbeing domains, enabling the school to design timely interventions. Whether it’s through personalized check-ins, classroom-based strategies, or wider school initiatives, this data empowers educators to tailor their approach and uplift every student.

Enhancing Emotional and Mental Wellbeing

With each Komodo survey, students are encouraged to reflect on their emotional state and mental health. The system provides them with a clear wellbeing percentage, helping them track how they feel over time. When students need additional support, they can instantly request a private check-in with a teacher or counselor—allowing for quick, personalized responses that make a real difference.

Encouraging Student Self-Awareness and Engagement

Students are not only participants but active agents in their own wellbeing. Through visual graphs and trend tracking, they begin to understand what influences their emotional health. This promotes ownership and awareness, two key pillars of resilience and long-term mental wellness. Compliment features also reinforce a culture of gratitude and recognition among students and staff.

Tackling Emerging Wellbeing Challenges

Digital wellbeing and exam-related stress are just two of the challenges that Komodo data has helped Dunecrest address. Insights from the surveys have prompted school-wide initiatives to promote healthier screen habits and reduce academic pressure during assessments. With this feedback loop in place, Dunecrest is well-equipped to respond to student needs before they escalate.

Empowering Students to Lead Wellbeing Initiatives

Dunecrest believes in cultivating leaders who care. Student Wellbeing Champions from both Elementary and Secondary School meet regularly to analyze survey results and brainstorm ideas to enhance peer wellbeing. In Secondary, select students also participate in Teen-to-Teen Mental Health Training, giving them the skills to be approachable, supportive figures among their classmates.

Strengthening Relationships Between Students and Teachers

One of Komodo’s most powerful outcomes is the enhancement of teacher-student connections. With access to student wellbeing data, homeroom, advisory, inclusion, and counseling staff are better equipped to hold meaningful conversations and adjust learning experiences accordingly. Students feel seen, supported, and heard—core ingredients of a thriving learning environment.

“We are committed to the holistic success of our students, and that includes prioritizing their wellbeing. With Komodo, emotional and social support is not only personalized but also data-driven—empowering every student to reach their full potential,” said Jeff Smith, Director, Dunecrest American School

Looking Ahead: Supporting Educators, Too

Dunecrest’s wellbeing journey is evolving. Building on the success of its student surveys, the school has started piloting the Komodo Teacher Wellbeing Survey. This tool allows teachers to reflect on their own wellbeing, share concerns, and help shape a more supportive workplace culture. Because a healthy school starts with healthy educators.