Mental health staff to be employed at South Australian schools to 'tackle issues early'

Para Hills year 12 student Taylor Edwards, wellbeing leader Sophie Havlis and year 11 student Caleb Stringer. (ABC News: Ben Pettitt)

A new school-based mental health service is set to launch in 65 of the most disadvantaged high schools in South Australia, but the state education minister says it may be difficult to fill the roles quickly.

Fifty-five school-based mental health practitioners will be hired by the SA government to support students and prevent escalations in bullying and violence – a promise made before the last state election.