Facts about mental health in schools
Mental health issues among children and young people are increasingly common. A recent survey by NHS England found that about one in five young people in England had a probable mental health disorder. Schools need to implement effective support systems such as early intervention and access to professional help. This will help pupils succeed both in school and emotionally.
1 in 5
One in five children and young people had a
probable mental disorder in 2023. (NHS England)
Frequently Asked Questions
Teachers can support children's mental health by creating a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. They should recognise signs of distress early, offer positive reinforcement, and model healthy coping strategies. Collaborating with mental health professionals and maintaining open communication with parents ensures comprehensive support.
Additionally, integrating stress management techniques into the curriculum and promoting peer support initiatives equips students with essential skills for managing emotions and building resilience. Teachers should encourage pupils to seek help from trusted adults or wellbeing resources within the school community when needed.
If a teacher believes a child needs more clinical treatment, they can refer them to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). CAMHS offers access to trained mental health professionals such as social workers, psychologists, and family therapists. However, be aware that waiting times for this service can be long.
Teachers can consider enrolling in one of our Pupil Wellbeing courses to enhance their ability to support student wellbeing. These courses provide essential knowledge in neuroscience, attachment theory, and child development, empowering educators to effectively support pupils' emotional health.
In 2023, a survey by NHS England revealed that one in five children and young people in England, aged eight to 25, likely experienced a mental disorder. This included mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues. Notably, rates of eating disorders also showed significant increases, particularly among 17 to 19-year-olds, affecting 12.5% of this age group compared to 0.8% in 2017.
These findings highlight how common mental health issues are among young people in education. As a result, programs like Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) have been set up in schools to offer support.
As more children face mental health challenges, there's a growing need for well-funded support systems within schools, including counselling and Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs) for early intervention.
While schools can be a source of support, they also pose stress, particularly during exams. Integrating mental health services ensures timely access to resources. Financial constraints on schools and local authorities remain a barrier, though.
In addition to traditional counselling, Thrive offers a trauma-informed whole school approach focusing on social and emotional needs. Grounded in neuroscience and attachment theory, it empowers educators to build supportive environments. Thrive emphasises early intervention and resilience-building, not diagnosis or therapeutic counselling for specific conditions, to enhance overall wellbeing in school communities.
Mental health problems in schools can stem from various factors. Key causes include bullying, abuse, and bereavement, which can lead to long-term anxiety and depression. Difficult home life, like divorce or family conflicts, and major changes like moving to a new house can cause mental distress.
Teen substance abuse and pre-existing conditions like ADHD or autism also increase the risk of mental health issues. Providing targeted support and training in schools and colleges is essential for addressing these issues.