Midway through Children’s Mental Health Week, what’s the news?

‘We must re-evaluate how we support young people’s learning’, says Youth Music CEO

Halfway through Children’s Mental Health Week, Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music is urging the government and leaders in education ‘to prioritise young people’s wellbeing and to take a holistic view of their mental health’ rather than a ‘continual obsession’ with attainment and exams, adding that ‘music can play a vital role in helping them thrive’.

Eighty per cent of organisations in the Youth Music Network reported a decrease in attendance since the pandemic began, with ‘young people feeling more isolated than ever’. 

Griffiths said, ‘Our evidence shows that music-making has a transformative impact on young people’s wellbeing, so this sharp reduction in young people able to access services will be having a detrimental effect on their mental health.’ 

Teachers fear for pupils’ safety

A report published today by charity Pro Bono Economics for youth mental health charity stem4 has found that over half of all teachers (56%) have feared that at least one of their students will come to harm while waiting for mental health treatment over the last year. 

Teachers also reported that one in five students in a virtual class of 22 are now experiencing mental health difficulties, which is an increase of 20 per cent in 10 months. 

According to the research, the untreated mental health conditions of children on waiting lists for NHS mental health treatment (CAHMS) are costing public services £75 million each year, with £48 million falling directly to schools and colleges. 

General secretary of NAHT, Paul Whiteman, has said, ‘Schools cannot be the only place parents are able to turn for help with their children’s mental health. All the resources and services that should be there to help need to be operating efficiently and effectively together.’

‘There is still work to be done’

Organisers of Children’s Mental Health Week, Place2Be, have today published the findings of a survey into parents’ perceptions of children’s mental health. It revealed that almost a third (29%) of parents would feel embarrassed if their child wanted counselling. 

In the survey of 1,029 parents, 34 per cent said that they would feel judged by other parents. Place2Be says ‘there is still work to be done’ in tackling stigma around children’s mental health, as these findings are similar to those from 2015.

Positive steps

Boris Johnson has today appointed Dr Alex George as the Youth Mental Health Ambassador, an unpaid role which will see the A&E doctor and former Love Island contestant advise the government. 

After George’s younger brother committed suicide last year, he has been campaigning for improved mental health support for young people. 

On his appointment, George said, ‘I am honoured to be appointed for this role where I’ll be working closely with government to make mental health an absolute priority and hope to have a positive impact on the lives of young people and their education for good.

‘Right now young people need a voice in government, and I hope that through this role I can advocate for meaningful change in this area.’