Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate teachers' and pupils' perceptions about the effect of the SafeSpot mental health curriculum on the well-being of young people and on their knowledge of mental health conditions. This trial intends to determine the acceptability and benefits of web and mobile technology in delivering emotional well-being in schools, through use of the SafeSpot programme.
Background: With 10% of young people aged 5 to 16 diagnosed with a mental disorder, there is pressure for schools to address their pupils' emotional well-being. However, many educators report that their schools have insufficient provisions and feel inadequately equipped to support pupils' mental health.
Methods: This qualitative analysis was embedded within a randomly allocated stepped-wedge design, conducted in six West of Scotland secondary schools. A total of 2320 pupils (aged 11 to 14 years) and 90 teachers were included. Young people's understanding of health-seeking, and teacher's confidence in delivering and accessing well-being information was assessed qualitatively.
Results: Qualitative analysis revealed themes highlighting the beneficial nature of SafeSpot, including pupil engagement, content of tutorials, perceived impact of SafeSpot and level of training provided for teachers.
Conclusions: Web technology could potentially offer a more structured way for staff to support their pupils' mental health, whilst reducing stigma. SafeSpot was perceived, by pupils and teachers, to be engaging.
Keywords: School; adolescence; e-health; mental health; qualitative methods.
© 2020 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.