This showed that in 2022, 18 per cent of 2,866 pupils aged seven to 16 reported having a probable mental health disorder, equating to around one in every 5.5 children. This compares with 12 per cent in 2017 (one in nine) and 16.7 per cent in 2020 (one in six) suggesting there has been a significant rise since the start of the pandemic (see infographic).
Other studies have also reported rising prevalence in recent years. Research by University College London and the Sutton Trust last year found that 44 per cent of 16- and 17-year-olds that took part had “probable mental ill health”. This had risen from 35 per cent in 2017 and 23 per cent in 2007. The study, which looked at the mental health and wellbeing of 13,000 year 11 students, concluded that the decline in students' mental health had “likely been accelerated by the pandemic”. Mental ill health was more common among girls than boys, and those with problems were twice as likely to self-harm or attempt suicide.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
