Mental health is one of the most important and broadly discussed topics at the moment, and shocking new statistics have sparked major calls for reform in how schoolchildren and teens are being supported.
School leaders in the UK have called for better mental health support beyond the confines of the classroom, admitting that they have noticed a major rise in the number of pupils suffering from self-harm, cyberbullying, and conditions such as anxiety and stress.
The alarming findings were made in a study carried out by the Association of School and College Leaders and the National Children’s Bureau, which surveyed 338 school leaders in the UK.
Of those surveyed:
- 40% noted a significant rise in cyberbullying;
- 55% saw a marked increase in students suffering from anxiety and stress over the past five years;
- 79% said they had noticed a rise in self-harm or suicidal thoughts among their pupils
Crucially, the survey respondents revealed that they have either struggled to get efficient support for those pupils requiring specialised care, or the level of support offered has fallen below standards and expectations.
The survey report stated: “It is clear that there are very good and effective counselling services within many schools, but the concerns over the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services reflect the need for a greater level of specialist support beyond the school gates.”
“Children and young people need access to a wider range of early intervention services beyond the school gates, and when they do get ill, the NHS needs to step in with adequately resourced and accessible treatment,” the report recommended.
