Half of the country's teachers believe that they have no time to focus on the mental health of students, a nationwide survey of teachers has found.

The survey of 600 principals and teachers by mental health charity beyondblue found that while almost 100 per cent of them considered mental health to be as important as academic achievement, 22 per cent did not believe it was their responsibility to address the mental health of students and 47 per cent did not have the time to dedicate to achieving positive mental health outcomes.

Principal Marianne Siokos with students Jamila Scammell,16, Indiana Eck, 15, Ksenia Vasik, 15, and Mind Matters' Rebecca Stephens. Credit:Dallas Kilponen

The research suggested that teachers did not have the tools or resources readily available to them to address mental health concerns. Only one-third responded that their school gave training for staff members to support student mental health.

Former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard said that mental health work in schools was crucial for young students.