Notes

how can different groups improve mental health services for children and young people?

The emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people is just as
important as their physical health and wellbeing. Research carried out by the
National Children’s Bureau in 2019 found that extreme pressure to achieve at
school and the effects of social media harm the mental health of children and young
people.
According to Young Minds:
• 1 in 8 children and young people aged 5 – 19 have a diagnosable mental health
condition
• emotional disorders are the most common type of disorder experienced by
5 – 19 year-olds
• 75% of all mental health problems are established by the time someone is 24
• 75% of young people who are experiencing mental health problems are not
receiving treatment.
Significant improvements to mental health services for children and young people
are needed.
Most schools have some support in place to help develop emotional wellbeing
among their students. However, spending cuts by local councils on children’s
mental health services has meant this support was mostly being paid for from the
schools’ own budgets. Only a third of the support was paid for by organisations
other than the school.