New data map reveals stark disparities in children and young people’s mental health in the UK

The numbers of children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties in the UK have risen at alarming rates over the past decade.

220 children in an average secondary school in England currently have a mental health problem.

Children’s chances of having good or poor mental health are shaped by the places they live in and the support available there. In collaboration with Kooth, we’ve produced a new map tool, enabling schools, health services and local councils to understand the mental health needs of the children and young people they serve.

This map tool draws from the latest data to show prevalence of mental health difficulties across the UK, including rates of eating disorders and self-harm, hospital admissions and secondary care referrals, and wider factors such as loneliness, school absence and bullying.

Some of the key findings:

• Levels of loneliness are reported to be comparatively high among children and young people in Scotland, with 139 in 1,000 11-18 year olds feeling lonely often or always.

• High proportions of children and young people in Wales report experiencing bullying, both online and in person.

• Northern Ireland has higher rates of school absence compared to the other nations, with Belfast reporting the highest percentage at 15.2%.

• Rotherham had the highest number of new referrals to children’s specialist mental health services (182 per 1,000 compared to England average of 70).

By knowing key concerns and where needs are elevated, we can take steps to prevent mental distress, and ensure all young people can get help when they need it.

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