A new digital campaign, 'Helping You Thrive in Secondary School', has been launched by the Health and Education Ministers to promote positive health and wellbeing resources for children in the early years of secondary school.

The campaign, launched on World Mental Health Day, focuses on prevention by providing a series of free and age-appropriate self-help apps available on the HSC Apps Library. The resources cover topics such as mental wellness, mindfulness, and building self-esteem, with the aim of helping young people build resilience to deal with changes in their circumstances. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt highlighted the importance of supporting young people during their transition from primary to secondary education, a period that can be unsettling and daunting.

"We therefore want children to have the tools to grow confidently, stay focused, and manage stress as they embark on this new chapter," he said.

Minister Nesbitt confirmed the apps have been independently evaluated to meet digital and clinical safety standards. They will complement existing school nursing provision and can be shared by the school nurse during Year 8 Health Appraisals if appropriate.

Education Minister Paul Givan noted the link between emotional health and learning outcomes. He stated that the digital resources will be a valuable addition to his Department's 'Being Well Doing Well' whole-school approach to emotional health and wellbeing.