Victorian children needing help to deal with life's challenges can now tap into advice on an interactive website.

Parliamentary Secretary for Health Daniel Andrews launched the Resilient Kids website—www.embracethefuture.org.au/kids/index.htm—at Melbourne Zoo with Roofie, the site's interactive kangaroo character.

Roofie shows children how resilience is about being able to keep going when life gets tough and to bounce back afterwards.

Mr Andrews said mental health issues affected up to one in seven young people aged 17 and under and up to one in four 18 to 24-year olds.

'Resilience can help us achieve remarkable things•overcome our difficulties, confront our fears and fight for fairness.

'Internet-savvy primary-schoolers trialled this Mental Health Foundation Embracing the Future program initiative and gave it the thumbs-up.'

Aimed at ages eight to 13, Resilient Kids also has games and activities to help children cope with the real world.

Mr Andrews said it provided children with techniques to deal with life's challenges and to seek help and guidance to develop their self-confidence, self-esteem and resilience.

'Roofie answers tapped-in questions and gives helpful hints about how to stay mentally healthy, in child-friendly language.

'There's even a quiz to help children test their own resilience.'

They learn that resilience includes finding out about how to solve problems, having ways to bounce back after difficulties, how to manage unfairness and to stand up for what they see as important.

Mr Andrews told children at the launch being flexible, understanding different cultures and what people are going through could help them to be good friends with others at school.

'This website is a positive and enjoyable experience for children as they learn how to take life in their stride.'

The Mental Health Foundation gets State funding to provide statewide mutual support, self-help, information and advocacy for Victorians facing a mental illness.