Northern Ireland

Pupils receive self-esteem lessons as part of health initiative

Stewartstown PS and Holy Family, Aughamullan PS are taking emotional intelligence lessons
Stewartstown PS and Holy Family, Aughamullan PS are taking emotional intelligence lessons Stewartstown PS and Holy Family, Aughamullan PS are taking emotional intelligence lessons

PRIMARY school children are taking lessons in self-esteem, impulse control and responsibility to improve their mental health.

A new emotional intelligence work booklet has been designed for P7 pupils.

Healthy Kidz, which created the resource, aims to "develop the holistic child through physical and emotional education".

The organisation delivers a multi-strand activity and education programme to 106 primary schools across Northern Ireland.

It works with about 20,000 pupils per week in primary schools and is supported by principals, families, communities, universities and business to help reverse current trends.

It aims to ensure every child is active, fit and healthy.

The new mental health strand was launched at Stewartstown PS in Co Tyrone, which is twinned with Holy Family, Aughamullan PS through a shared education project.

This year, foundation stage children are exploring play, while those in P4-7 are exploring healthy bodies and minds. Last year, they worked together to focus on healthy lifestyles.

Brendan McConaghy founded and created the emotional wellbeing strand for Healthy Kidz.

It includes lessons on self-esteem, impulse control and responsibility and uses tools such as mindfulness and gratitude journaling to give children the time, space and skills to care for and develop their own emotional wellbeing.

Mr McConaghy said research published last year revealed that one in nine children between the ages of five to 15 had a mental health disorder - which includes emotional, behavioural and hyperactive disorders.

This was a slight increase on the last major study undertaken in 2004, and the change was largely driven by an increase in emotional disorders including anxiety and depression.

"Having seen the success of the physical activity strands already taking place in our schools many principals approached Healthy Kidz and asked could we address the alarming rise in mental health issues among children," Mr McConaghy said.

"Working with consultant psychologist Dr Dympna Browne we wrote this programme to help develop children's emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence can be described as our ability to understand our own emotions and those of others as well as understanding how these emotions affect how we think and behave."

Director of Healthy Kidz, Kevin Creery said the new strand was a fantastic addition to an already growing programme, which would be of huge benefit to the thousands of P7 pupils taking part.

"Brendan is passionate about developing skills that allow children to develop better coping strategies and build resilience as they enter the next phase of their education," Mr Creery said.

"This 10 week strand will tie in perfectly with schools PDMU curriculum and we are thankful to Brendan and his team for their work in producing such a comprehensive and informative resource."