Nursery World - Troubled teens left in limbo

The ‘epidemic’ requires a mix of early intervention and later support services, finds Charlotte Goddard

The mental health of teenagers is a growing concern worldwide. Barely a day goes by without coverage of new statistics, with some talking of a mental health ‘epidemic’ in this age group. Those working in early years could be forgiven for looking askance at what seems to be in store for their young children.

A study from The Lancet published in May cites self-harm as the second-leading cause of death among ten- to 24-year-olds worldwide, while in the same month the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) issued a report on the ‘crisis affecting children and young people’s mental health in England’. In April the Government’s mental health champion for schools, Natasha Devon, told a head teachers’ conference there has been a 70 per cent rise in mental illness among the current generation of young people, and linked this to the current testing regime in schools, among other things. Ms Devon’s role has since been axed.

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