SPHE curriculum needs further strengthening – Roche

A focus on addiction and mental health literacy in the SPHE curriculum in secondary schools is needed, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Pete Roche said, “As the new SPHE course beds in throughout the country, there’s a real need for students to be taught about the potential effects of addiction, and ensure it is consistently delivered nationally.”

He made the call following consistent feedback from families, educators and young people at a recent mental health awareness event in Galway.

‘Sure Look, I’m Grand’ was held in Barnaderg, and brought together community organisations, sports groups, as well as parents and young people to examine how rural communities respond to mental health challenges and addiction.

Deputy Roche said a clear message emerged: young people need deeper, more comprehensive education around addiction, coping skills and emotional regulation.

“The name ‘Sure Look, I’m Grand’ reflects something deeply cultural in Ireland, which is our instinct to minimise struggle. But often that phrase masks anxiety, trauma or early substance misuse.

“If we are serious about prevention, we must give young people the language and understanding to speak before difficulties escalate.”

He welcomed the progress made in strengthening the Junior Cycle SPHE course since 2023, which will be fully rolled out by 2027, but Deputy Roche said the current implementation represents a clear and important opportunity.

“As guidance to schools on wellbeing and online safety is being reviewed, we must ensure addiction literacy is fully embedded, consistent and evidence-based across all schools.”

Deputy Roche emphasised this isn’t a call for a new subject, but clarity for consistency within structures.

He said feedback from the mental health awareness event in Galway East showed there were concerns around: behavioural addictions including gambling and digital dependency; prescription drug misuse; emotional regulation and coping strategies.

“Young people today face challenges that are more complex than ever. Education must move beyond simple warnings about substances and towards understanding why vulnerability develops and how to seek help early.

“If we want to stop young people falling into the jaws of addiction, prevention must start long before crisis. Education is one of our most powerful public health tools.”

Deputy Roche confirmed he will engage further with education stakeholders to ensure that lived experiences inform ongoing guidance review and curriculum implementation.

“The voices of parents, teachers and young people in rural Ireland matter. As SPHE continues to evolve we must ensure it fully equips the next generation with the resilience, literacy and confidence to navigate modern pressures safely.”