CompletedInterventional

Three gold-standard evaluations in Portugal, Czechia and the UK of an augmented social play intervention (Lina) to test its effects on belonging and costs for schools

This study is testing a new school programme called 'Lina' that uses fun, interactive games on smartphones to help 12-13 year old students. The main goal is to find out if Lina can make students feel more like they belong at school and improve their overall mental health and wellbeing. Researchers will also look at how much this programme costs schools compared to normal lessons. Taking part involves six weekly Lina sessions in school, and filling out a few questionnaires over about six months. It’s being done in the UK, Portugal, and Czechia, and aims to help schools better support students' mental health and sense of belonging.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

3,180

Start

22 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jan 2026

Sense of belonging and mental health and wellbeing

What is this study about?

This study is called 'Lina' and it's looking into a new way to help young people feel more connected and happier at school. We know that feelings of loneliness and worries about mental health have become more common, especially after COVID-19. When young people feel like they belong at school, it can really help them feel better and even reduce things like bullying. Lina uses special games on smartphones that combine storytelling and teamwork in the classroom to help students feel more connected and improve their mental health. It’s built on ideas that are known to help with feelings and thoughts.

The main idea behind Lina is to boost students' sense of belonging and improve their mental health. This study wants to check if Lina actually works. It will also look at how much it costs schools to run the programme compared to their usual lessons. The study isn't just happening in the UK; it's also taking place in Portugal and Czechia, so researchers can learn how well Lina works in different places and how best to use it in schools.

By taking part, students could help researchers understand how to make schools better and more supportive places for all young people. The study will look at experiences from students and teachers, making sure it finds the best ways to help everyone thrive. It’s an important step in finding new ways to support young people's wellbeing.

Key takeaways

It's a study testing a new school programme called 'Lina'.
It aims to boost students' sense of belonging and mental health.
For 12-13 year olds in UK, Portugal, and Czechia schools.
Involves 6 weekly sessions and 3 questionnaires over six months.
Looks at how well Lina works and its costs for schools.

Who may be eligible?

This study is for 12 and 13-year-old high school students in the UK, Portugal, and Czechia. Your school must agree to be part of the study, and your class would either use the Lina programme or continue with regular lessons for a period.

For you to take part in the study's questionnaires and surveys, you (and your parents or guardians) need to agree to share your information. However, even if you or your parents decide not to share your information for the study, you'll still get to experience the Lina programme if your class is selected for it, as it will be part of the normal school activities.

Basically, if you're 12 or 13, attend a participating school, and are happy for your answers to be used for research, you could be involved.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 12 or 13 years old?
Does your school have classes for 12-13 year olds joining the study?
Are you happy for your answers in surveys to be used for research?
Are you able to take part in 6 weekly class sessions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your class takes part, you would have six weekly 'Lina' sessions. These sessions will happen during your normal school lessons. Some classes might continue with regular school activities instead, but they would get to try Lina the following school year. You would be asked to fill out some questionnaires three times: once before Lina starts, again 6-10 weeks later (after the sessions), and then a final time about six months after the first questionnaire. These questionnaires will ask about your feelings of belonging, mental health, and social skills. Some students and teachers might also be asked to take part in interviews or group chats to talk about their experiences, and this would add a little more time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part could offer benefits like improving how much you feel you belong at school and potentially boosting your mental health and wellbeing. It's also a chance to try fun, team-based activities in class and help research that could benefit other students in the future. As for risks, some questions in the surveys are about feelings and relationships, which might bring up uncomfortable emotions for a short time. Researchers have worked with young people to make sure these questions are not too upsetting, and schools will be ready to offer support if needed. In group discussions, information isn't private among the group, but rules will be set to remind everyone about keeping things confidential. You have the right to withdraw from the surveys at any time without affecting your school lessons.

Locations (35)

Shireland Collegiate Academy
City only
Smethwick, England
Windsor Academy Trust
City only
Halesowen, England
Holyhead School
Approximate
Birmingham, England
Small Heath School
Approximate
Birmingham, England
Blue Coat Church of England Academy
Approximate
Walsall, England
Eden Girls' Leadership Academy, Birmingham
Unverified
Birmingham, England
Alsager School
Unverified
Stoke-on-trent, England
ZŠ Husova
Unverified
Brno, Czech Republic
ZŠ nám. Svornosti
Unverified
Brno, Czech Republic
ZŠ Heyrovského
Unverified
Brno, Czech Republic
Tyršova ZŠ
Unverified
Brno, Czech Republic
ZŠ Gajdošova
Unverified
Brno, Czech Republic

Common questions

What is 'Lina'?

Lina is a fun, interactive school activity that uses smartphones to help students feel more connected and improve their mental health through games and stories.

Who can take part in this study?

It's for 12 and 13-year-old students in secondary schools in the UK, Portugal, and Czechia whose school has agreed to join the study.

How long does the study last for me?

You'll have 6 weekly Lina sessions, and fill out surveys three times over about six months.

Will my information be kept private?

Your personal data from surveys will be kept confidential. In group discussions, what's said won't be private within the group, but rules will remind everyone to keep things to themselves.

What if I don't want to answer the questions?

You can choose not to answer any questions or withdraw from the surveys at any time. If your class is doing Lina, you will still take part in the activities.

How to find out more

Kate WoodcocK

k.a.woodcock@bham.ac.uk +44 (0)121 414 6036 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.