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Using health and well-being data to support improvements in mental health in schools
Welcome to the SHINE December 2023 Newsletter
- School visit to Byres Road Community Hub
- Invitation to participate in SHINE affiliated research projects
- AMBIENT-Teens sleep study
- Clock off! - reducing night-time use of interactive electronic devices
- National evaluation of the Equally Safe at School programme
- Other events and research opportunities for school communities:
- "Eyes Wide Open" photovoice project for young people and schools
- Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
School visit to Byres Road Community Hub
SHINE was delighted to welcome a group of S3-S6 pupils from The Glasgow Academy at the Clarice Pears Building on Byres Road for a tour and an interactive session in the Glasgow Health exhibition this month. This was followed by a workshop on using health data and research interventions for improvement planning in schools delivered by Dawn Haughton (SHINE Network Manager). The pupils represent the Health and Wellbeing Committee within the school pupil council and were particularly interested in discussing patterns in the HBSC data and how this has informed policy and practice in education and health over the years. The group will be involved in reviewing their PSE curriculum and considering health priorities for school improvement planning.
Invitation to participate in SHINE affiliated research projects
Trial a new intervention, evaluate a programme or test a new method of collecting data. Work with researchers in your school to find solutions to YP HWB challenges.
An Inter-disciplinary Learning (IDL) opportunity for young people to explore their sleep
Bringing together technology, design, science and health & wellbeing in one Inter-Disciplinary Learning opportunity for young people. Your school is invited to take part in the AMBIENT-Teens Study .
Take a look at the website to find out more.
The study involves 4 weeks of sleep data collection using a novel contactless sleep sensor that is placed in the bedroom of young people aged 8-18.
Participating young people will have the opportunity to collaborate with the researchers as citizen scientists and product reviewers, learning new skills and knowledge as part of a real-world experiment, and achieving the C for E outcome: I have explored the role of technology in monitoring health and improving the quality of life. SCN 3-12b.”
Contact Dawn.Haughton@glasgow.ac.uk or genscot_sleep@ed.ac.uk for further information.
Introducing Clock Off!
An 8–10-week school-based programme to reduce the night-time use of electronic interactive devices (e.g. phones/tablets) to improve mental health among young people.
The research team at the University of Glasgow is now seeking to work with 4 schools in Central Scotland and their S1 year group. The CLOCK OFF programme, scheduled to start Spring 2024, will involve:
- Online Sleep Survey and Peer Supporter Surveys to be completed by the S1 year group.
- Customised Teacher-led Classes on Sleep (based on survey results). Teachers will undergo one training session and then deliver 3 evidence-based knowledge sessions to the S1 year groups. Slides and teaching plans will be provided.
- Peer Supporters’ Training. Peer supporters, identified through online peer supporter surveys, will receive specialised one-day training to promote healthy night-time routines. Over the following 8-10 weeks, peer supporters will informally talk with their peers in the year group about the benefits of not using electronic interactive devices at bedtime.
At the end of the CLOCK OFF programme, we will conduct group discussions and interviews, inviting peer supporters, non-peer supporters, school staff, and parents/carers to share their experiences. All attendees will receive a £10-20 shopping voucher as recognition for their involvement.
CLOCK OFF aims to promote better sleep and mental well-being among young individuals. If you are interested in participating and would like more information, please contact us at Anne.Martin@Glasgow.ac.uk or Cassie.Wu@Glasgow.ac.uk.
If you would like to discuss this opportunity, please contact the Principal Investigator: kirstin.mitchell@glasgow.ac.uk . Kirstin will be delighted to walk you through what's involved for schools.
Invitation to join the National Evaluation of the Equally Safe at School (ESAS) programme in secondary schools.
Many Scottish schools are dealing with the fall-out from misogynistic influencers such as Andrew Tate, or are struggling with an increase in disclosures of sexual harassment. ESAS is designed to help schools build a positive culture in which staff and students work together on these issues. Designed by Rape Crisis it takes a whole school approach, strongly complements MVP, and is free to schools. ESAS involves a self-assessment, staff training, a student-led action group and curriculum and policy review.
The national evaluation is being run by a research team at the University of Glasgow. Schools across Scotland have been joining up but there are still a few spaces left. The benefit of being part of the national evaluation includes that the research team at University of Glasgow will collect the student self-assessment data on your behalf; they will support you in getting started and staying involved in ESAS and you'll be part of a larger cohort of schools undertaking ESAS. For more information click here.
Other research events and opportunities for school communities
Eyes Wide Open Invitation to participate
Exploring Stakeholder Perspectives of Adolescent Sleep through Photovoice
Sleep is critical for adolescent health and wellbeing. However, growing evidence suggests that most young people struggle to get the recommended 8 – 10 hours of sleep each night. This is a growing public health concern as insufficient sleep can lead to poor academic performance, mental health difficulties, and poor physical health.
Catriona’s research aims to co-develop an intervention with young people (S1-S3), parents/carers, teachers, and anyone interested in adolescent wellbeing to improve sleep and mental health in young people across Scotland.
Catriona is inviting two schools from Central Scotland to participate in a study using Photovoice and focus group/interview discussions to understand from adolescents, parents, and teachers what helps and hinders sleep during adolescence, and what will motivate young people to prioritise their sleep. Adolescents will create a school photography exhibition to share their experience of sleep and promote discussions about sleep and mental health.
To read more about the project click here. If you have any questions about this project or are interested in taking part, you can email Catriona at c.ewart.1@research.gla.ac.uk.
All the best,
The SHINE Team
Dawn Haughton
Schools Health and Wellbeing Improvement Research Network (SHINE) Manager
E-mail: Dawn.Haughton@glasgow.ac.uk
Web: www.gla.ac.uk/shine
Twitter: @ScotlandSHINE
