Disadvantaged children ‘at greater risk of poor mental health’ due to Covid-19

In its first annual report, the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition raises concerns about the growing levels of poverty and inequality and their impact on infant, children and young people’s mental health. 

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It says that “concerted and urgent action is needed to promote good mental health and prevent future mental health difficulties before it is too late”. 

The coalition is calling for a ban on school exclusions this academic year following six months of closures due to the pandemic, allowing “pupils [to] have the time to adapt to changes, including social distancing measures, and not be punished for behaviour problems, when they need support most”.

The report also finds that the Covid-19 crisis has already heightened existing inequalities and calls on schools, colleges and universities to make pupils, students and staff “feel safe and secure” as settings reopen amid an increase in referrals to children’s services departments over incidents of abuse and neglect during lockdown.

“For many children and young people, the pandemic is compounding traumatic experiences for various reasons, including abuse, neglect and bereavement. This may manifest in their behaviour in school. We must ensure schools are equipped with the support and tools they need to respond effectively, including an understanding of how trauma affects children’s behaviour,” the report states.

It highlights the technology gap faced by disadvantaged children unable to access online support.

“Digital and remote support for mental health care has blossomed in response to the pandemic, with the report highlighting innovation and improvements. But this may leave behind children and young people who do not have access to the internet, to the right hardware, or to safe spaces at home to engage with mental health support online,” it states.

The coalition is calling on the government to make children’s mental health a priority and address the growing gaps in mental health support caused by economic inequality and systemic racism.

“It should develop a clear and comprehensive mental health strategy for all infants, children, and young people to go alongside its plans to increase access to mental health support”, the report states.

Sir Norman Lamb, chair of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition, said: “We believe that no one should be at greater risk of poor mental health because of who they are or what environment they are in. No one’s mental health should be made worse because of their race, sexual or gender identity, or socioeconomic status. Yet the effect of the pandemic is only widening existing inequalities in health and healthcare.

“The severity of the situation cannot be overstated. The future is so uncertain for children and young people currently, and it is up to all of us to make it brighter for them. We hope this report, and all the work from our incredible members within it, can help build that brighter future, and put children and young people’s mental health first.”