Children's Mental Health Week is once again shining a much-needed spotlight on the mental health challenges faced by young people across the UK, especially focusing on rising anxiety levels.
Running from February 3 to 9, this annual initiative is organized by Place2Be, the children's mental health charity. The theme for this year, "Know Yourself, Grow Yourself," encourages young people to embrace self-awareness, recognize their strengths, and build resilience to face life's challenges.
According to data released by Childline, operated by the NSPCC, anxiety remains the primary mental health concern for children reaching out for help. Over the first six months of the 2024/25 period, Childline provided 276 counseling sessions relating to anxiety. This accounts for 24% of all mental health-related sessions, reflecting the overwhelming influence of anxiety on young people's lives.
Shaun Friel, Director of Childline, expressed concern over the distressing trend, stating, "It’s deeply concerning... they’re struggling with anxiety. We know how overwhelming these feelings can be, often leaving young people feeling trapped and unsure where to turn." He noted the worrying factors contributing to anxiety, which include bullying, body image issues, and broader societal pressures like climate change and global conflicts.
Schools across the UK are rising to the occasion, implementing various initiatives to help students address mental health. For example, students at Tor Bridge High in Plymouth engaged in creative mental health scavenger hunts and quizzes to spark important conversations. Meanwhile, Exmouth Community College will host themed assemblies and sessions focused on mindfulness and positive affirmations.
The Ted Wragg Trust highlights the exceptional efforts undertaken by its schools to support student mental health. Moira Marder, the trust's chief executive, states, "Children’s Mental Health Week provides a brilliant opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible work our schools do to support young people’s mental health every week of the year." With student mental health ambassadors at West Exe School and training for staff on emotional support, the trust is dedicated to creating supportive environments for children.
An anonymous 11-year-old child user of Childline shared her feelings, saying, "I’m so self-conscious of how I look, my personality, what people think about me. It makes me feel anxious. I know everyone is different, but I feel different in a bad way." These raw emotions echo the sentiments of many young people struggling today.
To equip children suffering from anxiety, Childline and Place2Be offer practical advice, including simple yet effective coping strategies. These include practicing deep breathing exercises, engaging in physical activity to boost mood, and utilizing grounding techniques to maintain presence during overwhelming moments. Encouraging communication is also key, empowering children to talk about their feelings with trusted adults.
Cecilia Corbetta, Head of Parenting at Place2Be, champions the importance of self-reflection for children, stating, "Our 'Know Yourself, Grow Yourself' campaign this Children’s Mental Health Week... empowers them to feel more in control and hopeful about the future." This initiative aims to help children combat anxiety by fostering self-awareness and positive coping mechanisms.
For parents, the guidance from Place2Be includes promoting open dialogue, establishing healthy routines, and modeling positive coping behaviors. Recognizing triggers for anxiety can also assist families in developing effective strategies together. If anxiety persists, professional support must be sought.
With rising eco-anxiety affecting nearly four out of five children under 12, the discourse around mental health is all the more pressing. Research indicates significant worries about climate change among young people, leading to calls for teachers and parents alike to create informed conversations. Dr. Caroline Hickman, an expert on eco-anxiety, emphasizes the need for emotional resilience and the tools to help children navigate these pressing issues.
Children's Mental Health Week provides invaluable opportunities for schools, families, and organizations to come together and prioritize the emotional well-being of young people. By highlighting these challenges and creating safe spaces for open conversations, the initiative encourages every child to know they are not alone. With invaluable resources, professional guidance, and supportive peers and adults, children can navigate their fears and anxieties and emerge stronger.