The Government must act now to prevent the next generation of young people being held back by mental health problems, a new report from Centre for Mental Health has said.
Invest in childhood says that the Government can act now to turn around the recent rise in mental health problems among children and young people through evidence-based and cost-effective strategies.
Rates of mental health problems among young people have risen significantly over recent years, and now affect one in five 8-25 year olds. The long-term impact of childhood mental health problems now costs the UK £1 trillion in lifetime lost earnings. Yet there is a wide range of preventive measures that could reverse the rise and reduce the risks for young people.
Invest in childhood identifies six critical areas for immediate action, from the perinatal period and early years, to schools and colleges, and through to entering the job market.
The report says that health visitors and school nurses play a vital role in promoting good mental health in children and families, and in spotting the signs of mental health difficulties early. However, both professions have faced successive cuts to the workforce, meaning that more children fall through the gaps of early support and go on to need specialist care. Taking action now to boost numbers of health visitors and school nurses will benefit babies, children and families for decades to come.
Invest in childhood finds that schools are uniquely positioned to boost children’s mental health. A broad range of initiatives, from anti-bullying programmes to school-based counselling, can create the conditions for students to thrive – in turn improving educational attainment. However, it finds that an over-emphasis on high-stakes testing has negative psychological impacts on both children and teachers.
The report says that many of the actions recommended require a shift to use existing resources more effectively, rather than additional investment. And the evidence-based actions it identifies are far less costly that allowing young people’s needs to escalate until they require specialist care, or face financial adversity and lifelong disadvantage.
The report notes that while preventing mental health difficulties during childhood is essential for the next generation, this should not be at the expense of providing effective support and treatment when it’s needed. Investment and reform are also needed in children’s mental health services so they can provide timely, equitable and effective care for those who need them.
Andy Bell, chief executive at Centre for Mental Health, said: “Mental health difficulties among children and young people are both common and serious. They cause deep distress for children and their families. They cast a long shadow over a child’s life. Preventing mental health problems is highly cost-effective. It saves money and lives. Our report identifies actions the Government can take now to shift towards prevention. From boosting health visiting and parenting programmes, to helping schools become mentally healthier places to learn, it can affect a sea change in the next generation’s mental health. Investing in childhood is worth every penny.”
