What mental health means to children

With new NHS data published this week showing a rise in the number of children and young people in touch with mental health services, (452,725 by the end of December 2023, compared to 444,904 by the end of November 2023), now more than ever it's vital we hear the voices of children themselves.

Earlier this week the chair of our Division of Educational and Child Psychology, Dr Gavin Morgan, said that it was imperative children were given a voice when "decisions are being made about them, and for them" and that it was "shameful" when this did not happen during the pandemic.

DECP member Dr Melernie Meheux asked children and young people she works with and supports to share their thoughts about mental health, and how they promote good mental wellbeing.

Primary voices

This week pupils from Lancasterian Primary School in North London were asked about what they thought mental health was and what they did to keep mentally well. They said:

"Your mental health is as important as the health of your body." (Year 5 boy)

"You have to keep your mental health happy and healthy." (Year 6 girl)

"Mental health is the health of your mind." (Year 4 girl)

"I do lots of things to keep my mind healthy, like reading a funny book and playing with my friends." (Year 5 girl)

"It is important to look after yourself and be kind to yourself, especially your mental health." (Year 6 girl)

Secondary insights

Providing a different viewpoint, Avenue Centre for Education (ACE) is a secondary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Luton for young people who have been permanently excluded for school and have social emotional mental health difficulties.

A group at ACE were given time to reflect on things they believe helps their own mental health, including agency support and attitudes of professionals and teachers. Their top five insights were:

• Understanding that pressure to succeed affects young people's mental health
• Providing safe spaces to talk without judgement
• Making sure adults understand the pressure for teenagers – this will enable them to better support children and young people's mental health
• Mental health is important – people need more awareness to help young people
• Pop-up support from external agencies is important (For example, working with Luton sexual health and young people Sanctuary).

Resources and further reading

Helping children find their voice – hear from DECP Chair Dr Gavin Morgan

Time to Play – our campaign for more playtime in the school day

A resilience and coping framework for supporting transitions back to school