More than 20,000 students at 20 west Auckland schools will be able to get an early warning of their mental health through a new programme being rolled out this week.
The Pulse digital platform will give the rangatahi a confidential way to register how they feel each day.If the program detects any problems, it will direct the student to their selected teacher or staff member.
Pulse is based on technology from Linewize, a global child cyber safety and wellbeing solutions provider.
School wellbeing specialist Andrew Sylvester expects good uptake from Maori and Pasifika students.
“Young Māori and young Pasifika as well, are far less likely to reach out in the early stages for help. Evidence shows that, and I think what’s really exciting is that by providing a platform on a device that is in a school – everyone is getting access to be able to reach out for help if they need, in that safe context,” he says.
Mr Sylvester hopes the programme can eventually be expanded to include all New Zealand schools.
