BPS response to research showing steep rise in depressive symptoms in children

The Division for Educational and Child Psychology (DECP) has responded to the findings of research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, which show a steep rise in depressive symptoms among 7-12 year olds during the first wave of the UK-wide lockdown.

Recognising the findings of the research, the DECP says it is vital that vulnerable children and young people are given psychological support through their recovery process, alongside additional help for teachers to manage the situation and a curriculum that allows a focus on wellbeing and recovery. 

Dr Vivian Hill, chair of the British Psychological Society's Division for Educational and Child Psychology, said:

"The uncertainly and disruption created by the pandemic has had a huge impact on all of us, so it's sadly unsurprising that this research shows children and young people have shown depressive symptoms when times have been particularly tough during lockdown. 

Being with their peers and spending time at school is an important part of a young person's identity, and it is completely normal for them to adapt to the uncertainty and changes to their lives by exhibiting depressive behaviours.

However, we have seen the return to school as being a stabilising influence for many children and young people, and it's important to remember that children are resilient and resourceful and can adjust to new and challenging situations. 

However, psychologists working in schools are conscious that some schools and communities have had a more extreme experience in this pandemic than others, and it's only natural that some will find the experience of the pandemic more difficult than others.

With 800,000 children yet to return to school post-lockdown due to a variety of factors, many will need further help to reconnect and re-engage with their schools and peers, with support from psychologists. 

It's also vital that teachers, who have worked on the frontline of this pandemic, receive support to facilitate the longer-term recovery of the children and young people through hands on advice and support in managing the children presenting with depressive symptoms.

Alongside that, there must be a curriculum that creates the space and time for children to focus on their wellbeing and recovery, and help them to feel safe, confident and comfortable in school."