A mental health programme being trialled with Christchurch kids is going nationwide.

The Sparklers programme is a series of activities that have been used in the wake of the earthquakes, as part of the All Right campaign.

Manager Sue Turner said teachers could start using them straight away.

"They don't need anything. All they need is themselves and their classroom and their kids. They don't need any additional resource."

Turner said more schools around New Zealand are taking notice of mental health.

She said attitudes have changed.

"There's less stigma around it, because I think what's happened from the earthquakes, there's been a realisation that actually the recovery is not just about buildings and infrastructure, it's about people's well-being."

At least one principal has given his thumbs up to the programme. Kaiapoi Borough School Principal Murray Overton said his favourite activity is about good breathing.

"Getting them to take some really deep breaths and just think about where they are and if something comes up it's a bit of a challenge, sometimes you can take a deep breath, you'll feel so much better afterwards."

Child psychiatrist, Harith Swadi of the Canterbury DHB, said bad behaviour might be the result of anxiety issues.

He said stress can be the reason kids act out.

Dr Swadi often when people think kids are being naughty, it's actually just them showing their anxiety.