The report highlights the mental health crisis among young people with new data from 5,000 children in Bradford. The findings show that one in five Year 9 pupils in Bradford likely have an eating disorder, and one in six 12-to-15-year-olds have self-harmed in the past year, with higher rates in girls (20%) compared to boys (13%).

Children in Bradford also reported problems with lack of sleep and loneliness as major issues affecting their mental health.

The report calls on the Government to expand mental health support in schools, from primary school onwards, without adding extra burdens on teachers. Schools, where children spend most of their time, are ideal places to reach many children and help those showing early signs of mental health issues.

Dr Ruth Wadman from the University of York said: “Our children need good mental health to thrive. We urgently need to prevent mental health conditions and intervene early. Schools can play a key role by using data and listening to children.”

This is the third report by Child of the North and the Centre for Young Lives in 2024, focusing on how the Government and Opposition can improve young people’s lives through policy.

Anne Longfield from the Centre for Young Lives said: “At the next election, parties will propose how to improve children’s mental health. Labour has promised to hire more staff, provide specialist mental health support in every school, and create open access mental health hubs for children. All parties should aim to cut the rate of children’s mental health issues by half in the next 10 years, as the current system is failing many children.”

The report comes amid a national crisis in children’s mental health. In 2022, 18% of children aged 7-16 and 22% of young people aged 17-24 had a likely mental health condition. Despite recent investments, the system has long waiting lists and unequal access to care, with over 32,000 children waiting over two years for help at the end of 2022/23.

The report’s recommendations include:

Expanding mental health support in all schools, starting in primary school. Mental Health Support Teams are effective but most schools don’t have them. By 2025, half of England’s school children still won’t have access to these teams.
Creating local online NHS information hubs to guide children and families to local mental health support.
Using digital technology to benefit children’s mental health by conducting school-based surveys nationally to track mental health and offer early support.
Addressing factors that lead to poor mental health, like early support for neurodivergent children. Pre-school and primary school experiences can increase the risk of mental health issues, so early support is crucial.
Solving the shortage of educational psychologists to support schools and improving teacher training to create environments that support pupil wellbeing.

Dr Camilla Kingdon, former President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: “Good mental health in childhood is crucial. Nearly 50% of lifetime mental health issues start by age 14. We must support children with mental health problems early. We need the political will to prioritise children’s mental health for their sake and our future.”

Professor Mark Mon Williams, Child of The North report editor, added: “The mental wellbeing of children reflects a nation’s health. The statistics on children’s mental health are heartbreaking and need immediate action. The UK must prioritise children’s mental health for long-term prosperity. This report shows how the next Government could invest in our future wellbeing.”