I am interested in resources aimed at upper KS2 / KS3 which address social contagion in this age group.
In DD1's (13) peer group and cohort at school, so many have developed suicidal ideation, self-harming behaviours, gender dysphoria, eating disorders and a raft of anxiety related mental health problems, as well as self-diagnosed Tourette's or ADHD, in the last year since starting secondary school. Much of the social contact between peers, whether in person or on their phones, centres around discussing these issues and sharing experiences, in the name of supporting each other.
There is ubiquitous social media and online content which highlights these conditions, fairly easily available to young people, but I am really interested in the peer-to-peer engagement which seems to be even more of an influence.
I'm a teacher but can't seem to find a resource that specifically addresses this issue. The PSHE curriculum for primary (my area) isn't specific enough, and focuses on what to do if you think someone in your life is in need of mental health support and how to deal with peer pressure. I wonder if there is a programme which names the phenomenon of social contagion and sensitively makes young people aware of their personal responsibility toward their friends (without shaming or silencing those who need help): the importance of not amplifying problematic online content (glamourising eating disorders or self-harm, for instance) by sharing it, of not trying to 'recruit' friends to participate in disordered eating, self-harming behaviour or suicidal ideation, of not sharing tips or advising friends on how best to hide an eating disorder or cuts, or making it seem like a desirable asset in the curation of an interesting personality. And of course, teaches young people to spot and name this dynamic in their friendship groups and curb the tendency to want to emulate or support without appropriate safeguarding.
I suppose I'm looking for something that will open discussion around the personal responsibility of seeking help in the right places (lots of resources do this) while also emphasising the dangers of 'enrolling' peers.
Has anyone working in secondary schools or young people's mental health, whether in allied services or the charity sector, come across a resource like this?