SPARX is a self-help tool designed specially for young people (13-19 years) with mild to moderate depression.
Unlike traditional teaching methods, SPARX uses multiple strategies involving fun and active ways of learning, that young people can practise in a safe, consequence-free setting.
The game utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), one of the most recommended and successful treatments for people with depression, to help break negative cycles for life-long results.
SPARX has been thoroughly tested in a large NZ study, with the results published in the British Medical Journal in 2012.
In addition, three doctoral projects evaluated SPARX with Māori, LGBTQIA+, and young people in Alternative Education.
Reduced depression and anxiety and improved quality of life.
Worked equally well across different ethnic groups in New Zealand.
Worked equally well for girls and boys and older and younger youths.
Changes in participants lasted for at least three months.
If you’re having any thoughts about hurting or killing yourself, reach out and talk with someone who knows how to help:
Free call 0508 4 SPARX (0508 477 279)
or text 3110 for 24/7 support.
Call 111 if you or someone else might be unsafe right now.
Free phone 0508 4 SPARX (0508 477 279) or free text 3110.
Call 111 if someone you know might be unsafe right now.
See Get Help Now for other options.
Someone can also have no energy and feel bad for other reasons – like if they’re sick or have other health issues (such as being low in iron). Make sure to check this out with a healthcare professional. For more information, head to The Lowdown.
If SPARX has helped them, keep up the good work and positive vibes by helping them practise their new skills in real life, every day. Or, if they feel confident enough, ask them to share what they’ve learnt, or simply remind them to stay on top of their skills regularly.
If they’ve completed all levels and they’re still not feeling better, that’s okay! It just means their situation needs some personal time and attention. Talk to them about potentially getting some professional or medical help.
While some worry that using a phone or computer programme might mean that young people are less likely to approach others and reach out for help, it’s actually quite the opposite! Computer programmes can help people learn how to ask for help and how to fully express their thoughts and feelings when the time’s right.
There are many ways to help – it all starts by simply making yourself available and willing to listen. It’s also very important that they know you want to help them, and you’re willing to support them.
First, ask them what support they would like.
You could offer to:
If you’re worried that someone who is using SPARX is not getting better head to our Get Help Now page for more resources.
Remember: SPARX is not a crisis intervention and it’s not enough if someone is suicidal.
SPARX is provided by The University of Auckland, and funded by the Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project.
The University of Nottingham UK is collaborating with UoA and SPARX to develop their own CBT programme for depressed UK youth.
St John’s community education are piloting a programme to introduce SPARX to school age children.
Trials are being run in Canada to test the effectiveness of a translated French/Canadian SPARX programme for youth in need.
Download, print, and handout this flyer to your students or patients who would benefit from the SPARX programme.
This resource covers the basics of SPARX and how it can help your friend of family member with their wellbeing.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.
The A-Z of sharing the SPARX journey with friends or whānau, including what SPARX is and how you can stay involved.
Learn how to bring discussions of mental and emotional wellbeing into your everyday teaching curriculum.
Download this document to share in the classroom or youth services setting.
