Implementing a taitamariki healthy relationship app in secondary schools – The Harmonised trial

The intervention consists of the implementation of a smartphone app, accessible via iOS (i.e. Apple devices), Android (e.g. Chromebook) or the web, in each participating secondary school. The Harmonised app enables: • Setting up a healthy relationship profile • Accessing healthy relationship information • Posting to friends & whanau for support (private social network) The app supports two types of users. Primary users are students in the participating schools with access to all app functions. Secondary users consist of friends, family, whanau and community who have access to healthy relationship information only, unless invited as a primary user’s safe person to comment on specific posts. Strategies to support app adoption include the use of posters and school newsletters. The tailored nature of implementation limits evaluation of fidelity. Mode of training: The implementation plan is developed jointly with each school and may be researcher- or school-led. The one-off single-period (40 to 50 minutes) implementation is delivered within individual classrooms or school assembly. A hard-copy training resource designed specifically for the study supports implementation, and includes instructions regarding app navigation and function. Researcher-led training includes demonstrations of app functions using Apple TV. Students are led through the process of registration, creation of user profiles and making posts. Intended frequency/duration of use of the app is entirely at the participants' discretion. Description of the healthy relationship information: This information is collated by a Harmonised resource working group following a Resource Protocol for the selection, modification and permission for resources. Resources include links to videos, quizzes, brief articles and stories from a range of sources (for example, from HELP, SHINE, NETSAFE). Sources are cited according to creative license and permissions. Topics covered include, for example, communication, consent, anger management, healthy relationships and sexuality. New Zealand material is prioritised; some of the material is in te reo Maori. Harmonised Moderation Protocol. A moderation protocol guides safe practices for all posting (posts and comments). To minimise risk, the protocol addresses harm to primary app users, harmful use of the app and harm to the platform. The protocol includes automated (inappropriate language block and suicidality/self-harm automated message), human (research team daily review with ability to block text or user and escalation pathway), community (users report inappropriate content) and reputation-based moderation. User guides communicate to users the safe and responsible use of the app. The protocol is aligned to the New Zealand Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015.