Debate: Where to next for universal school-based mental health interventions? Can research led by young people shape universal solutions for mental health and suicide prevention in school settings?

Abstract

We have engaged in work that aligns with the call from Birrell et al. (Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 2024), particularly in terms of thinking about co-design with young people to develop new outcomes and targets of universal school-based interventions. We engaged young people in a Cochrane systematic review and co-designed the outcomes for this review. What emerged was the need for research led by young people to develop and evaluate innovative universal school-based interventions that focus on creating environments that build and support young people's ability to cope by expressing and managing emotions. Whole-of-school approaches that ensure compassionate and caring responses can support the development of coping skills to manage distress, mental illness, self-harm and suicidal ideation.