OCO Submission on the updated Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice

The Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) has welcomed the opportunity to submit to the consultation on the updated Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice (Wellbeing Policy).

The topic of wellbeing and mental health supports in schools has long been a focus of the OCO. While we have welcomed recent developments by the Department of Education and Youth that seek to enhance the role of schools in providing wellbeing and mental health supports, our submission addresses the need for wellbeing to be recognised as a children’s rights issue, with the need for a holistic approach to education in the Irish system that equips students with practical tools to manage their health and wellbeing in their academic life and beyond. We also advocate for more targeted wellbeing supports for vulnerable children and for digital wellbeing to be acknowledged as a distinct area requiring specialised measures for promoting wellbeing and skills.

• Lúnasa 2026