“Over their two-year term (2024 to 2026) the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive tackled a critical national issue for young people: school stress. This video highlights the progress they achieved throughout their term.”

The work of the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive 2024 – 2026 focused on school stress  This topic was identified as a key issue by over 3,000 young people across Comhairle na nÓg 2024. During Dáil na nÓg 2024 (the National Youth Parliament) , now in its 25th year, delegates tackled a range of issues related to mental health, including body image, school stress, and mental health services. School stress was voted on by a majority out of 157 delegates in attendance on the day, winning by 84 votes to 73.

The National Executive was tasked with advocating for policy change to address this issue. They addressed school stress through consultations and by identifying nine core themes: Social Pressure, Point Inflation/CAO System, Exam Stress, Time Management, Mental Health Support, Gender Stigma, Facilities, Lack of Support for Study Skills and Lack of Options for School Subjects.

Through a survey of 273 Comhairle na nÓg delegates carried out at the National Comhairle na nÓg Showcase in spring 2025, it revealed that half of young people experience high levels of academic pressure. To progress the topic the National Executive met with stakeholders such as Jigsaw, Local Government Management Agency, the Department of Education and Youth, National Education Psychologist Service (NEPS) The Children’s Rights Alliance, Oide and the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD). The National Executive presented their survey findings and recommendations with senior policy committees including the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Implementation Partners’ Forum. The group emphasised that their voices have been heard by various stakeholders and hope to continue this collaboration, as they believe young people possess vital knowledge of both the issues and the solutions

The National Executive continues to advocate for specific changes regarding the senior cycle redevelopment through the following recommendations:

  1. Align the CAO System with Project-Based Assessments.
  2. Youth-Friendly Communication on Senior Cycle Reform and scheduling calendars to help students manage deadlines effectively.
  3. Equity and inclusion, distribute resources more equally, including better access to information, study spaces, and support for alternative education routes such as LCA and Youthreach.
  4. Ensure youth representation in ongoing discussions with a designated seat at the table.
  5. Training for Guidance Counsellors and School Staff.

While significant progress has been made, continued engagement is essential to ensure that all young people can contribute to shaping education policy and supports that affect their learning, wellbeing, and school experience. Their term concluded with a presentation to school leaders, decision makers and key education stakeholders at the NAPD Symposium 2025 and presentations to key decision makers in the Department of Education and Youth and  such as:

  • Dalton Tattan, Assistant Secretary General, Department of Education and Youth, with responsibility for Corporate Services, Communications and Parents and Learners
  • Neville Kenny, Principal Officer, Department of Education and Youth, Curriculum Section
  • Judith Lyons, Principal Officer, Parents and Learners Unit
  • Niamh Mannion, Assistant Principal Officer, Department of Education and Youth,  Parents and Learners Unit
  • Bairbre Meaney, Principal Officer, Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Participation, Play and Recreation Unit
  • Caroline Cleary, Educational Psychologist, Department of Education and Youth, National Education Psychological Services

The goal for this National Executive was to ensure lasting reform, coupled with continued engagement with young people. Finally, the work concluded with the development of a final report (linked here). We hope you enjoy our video! 

The full video can be viewed here

A member of the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive said about their hopes for future Comhairle na nÓg members and the work still needed around school stress.

 “For the future Comhairle members, especially those working on School Stress, my hope is to keep pushing. There is still a lot of work to be done. Young People must continue to be involved in decision-making, particularly on issues that directly affect our wellbeing and education. School stress is something every young person experiences, that lived experience deserves to be central to the solutions. So take on every opportunity, speak up, get involved, it matters more than you think.”

And 

“One message I would like to leave for the future of Comhairle na nÓg, is this; Keep advocating, keep showing up, keep using your voice. Because when Young People speak from experience, listen with purpose, and act together it makes a real change.

However, real change doesn’t happen overnight. But it starts with believing that change can happen and identifying what it is.”

Or

“I hope that future members use our work as a platform to boost the work that they’ll plan to do. We’ve really laid the foundations, and they have the potential to take the NE’s work to new heights. Hopefully they are passionate and determined, and that they make incredible friendships and memories during their time just as we have.”