Students should show an ability to identify a relevant area of current concern impacting on children and young people

Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among Children and Young People Through School-Based Interventions

Introduction

In recent years, mental health has become a growing concern among children and young people across the UK. More young people are struggling with anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues than ever before. Schools, as primary environments for children`s social and academic development, are now under increasing pressure to help support mental wellbeing. This assignment will first explore the relevance and seriousness of mental health as a concern for children and young people. It will then review current intervention strategies in place and highlight their limitations. Finally, it will propose a new school-based mental health support programme, designed to meet the needs of young people using up-to-date knowledge and practices.

Identifying the Area of Concern 

Mental health among children and young people is a pressing issue in today’s society. According to the NHS Digital report (2022), approximately 1 in 6 children aged 5 to 16 in England have a probable mental health disorder. These issues often go unnoticed or untreated due to stigma, lack of resources, or underprepared school staff. Children experiencing poor mental health may struggle academically, socially, and emotionally, with long-term effects extending into adulthood.

There are several factors contributing to poor mental health in young people, including:

• Social media and cyberbullying

• Academic pressure

• Family issues, poverty or neglect

• Lack of support systems

• Post-COVID anxiety and isolation

The consequences of neglecting children’s mental health are serious, often leading to school absenteeism, self-harm, substance abuse, and in extreme cases, suicide. Mental health affects all areas of a child’s life and therefore must be treated as a public health priority.

Review of Current Interventions 

There are various interventions already in place to support children and young people. Some of the key approaches include:

• School counselling services – Many schools have part-time counsellors who work with students one-to-one.

• CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) – This NHS service provides clinical support for serious mental health conditions.

• Charity-based services – Organisations like YoungMinds, Place2Be, and Mind provide resources, therapy, and helplines.

• Mental Health First Aid training – Some schools train staff to spot signs of distress and offer initial support.

Limitations of Current Interventions:

• Long waiting lists for CAMHS (often 12 weeks or more).

• School counsellors are overstretched or unavailable.

• Services are not equally accessible in all areas (postcode lottery).

• Teachers feel undertrained and lack time to support pupils adequately.

• Interventions often focus on fixing problems rather than preventing them.

These issues highlight the need for more consistent, proactive, and embedded mental health support systems in schools.

Proposed Intervention: A School-Based Mental Health Support Programme 

Intervention Name: "Mind Matters in Schools"

Objective: To promote emotional resilience, identify issues early, and provide ongoing support for students within their everyday school environment.

Programme Features:

1. Dedicated Mental Health Lead in Every School
   A trained mental health professional (not just a teacher with an added responsibility) who works full-time on site to support students and train staff.

2. Wellbeing Lessons as Part of the Curriculum
   Weekly sessions in emotional literacy, mindfulness, resilience-building, and social skills for all year groups.

3. Peer Support Groups
   Students trained to act as “Wellbeing Ambassadors” offering peer-to-peer support and reducing stigma.

4. Drop-In Clinics
   Confidential access to the Mental Health Lead during lunch breaks or after school for informal chats or check-ins.

5. Parent Workshops and Resources
   Helping parents recognise signs of distress and support their children’s mental wellbeing at home.

6. Referral Pathway to CAMHS
   The school works closely with CAMHS to fast-track serious cases and ensure early intervention.