New report lays bare the devastating impact of poverty on children's mental health, says BPS

Responding to a new report from the Centre for Mental Health on the impact of poverty on children's mental health, Dr Roman Raczka, President-Elect of the British Psychological Society, said:

"This report lays bare the devastating impact that poverty has on children's mental health and wellbeing. 

"The connection between poverty and poor mental health is clear. We know that children growing up in poverty are four times more likely to develop mental health difficulties than the wealthiest by the time they are 11, so now is the time for action from the government.

"The cost-of-living crisis has increased the pressure on families who are struggling to make ends meet, and the impact of those struggles are far-reaching, leading to increased demand on already over-stretched mental health services.

"We urge the government to bring forward a children's wellbeing strategy at pace, with a focus on preventative services to lift children out of poverty and enable them to thrive."