Mental health difficulties in children and young people: a toolkit for parents
In 2020, one in six children (16%) aged five to 16 had a probable mental health disorder, up from one in nine (11%) in 2017. We don’t know for sure what factors
caused the increase, but living through the COVID pandemic has undoubtedly had an impact.
Beyond COVID, most children have challenges in their lives that could pose a risk to their mental health. Some people are genetically more prone to a mental health
condition if it runs in the family.
We can’t prevent our young people from struggling sometimes. That’s why it’s important to recognise the signs of mental health difficulty, to know how
to support your child to cope, and when and how to seek extra help.
City Mental Health Alliance (CMHA) have published a toolkit for parents to help them better support their children with mental health difficulties. The toolkit covers:
- The developing brain
- Early years, adolescence and beyond
- Common triggers for mental health problems
- Parenting during difficult times
- Common mental health conditions
- Spotting the signs that your child is struggling
- Trusted sources of specialist information and support
The CMHA is a not-for-profit alliance of businesses, working together with mental health experts and partner organisations, to achieve our vision that every workplace will protect, support and create positive mental health for their people.
