Children aged just four are suffering poor mental health
- Family problems are the driving cause according to 91 per cent of teachers
- Among those aged four-to-seven, 18 per cent of teachers have noticed problems
- As many as 64 per cent of teachers know of a child who has self-harmed
- Affected children are unable to concentrate, claim 89 per cent of teachers
- Teachers list family problems, bullying, and exam and school stress as causes
Alexandra Thompson Health Reporter For Mailonline
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The number of youngsters suffering from mental health issues is soaring.
Children as young as four are showing signs of panic attacks, eating disorders, anxiety and depression.
A massive 98 per cent of teachers and school leaders have detected mental health problems in young students.
In terms of the cause of their mental health concerns, 91 per cent of teachers believe family problems are to blame, while 84 per cent said exam pressure is at fault.
Yet, almost half of teachers claim to have received no training to help better recognise the signs of children battling these issues.
Over 90 per cent of teachers have seen signs of mental health disorders in young students
A survey by The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), UK, found teenagers are the most likely to be affected, with 58 per cent of teachers reporting seeing problems in 15 to 16 year olds and 55 per cent in 13 to 14 year olds.
Among those aged four to seven, 18 per cent of teachers have noticed troubles, while 35 per cent have seen problems in children aged seven to 11.
Nine in 10 teachers claim to have seen a pupil suffering from anxiety and panic attacks, while 79 per cent are aware of a pupil with depression and 64 per cent know of a child who has self-harmed.
Children with eating disorders are known by 49 per cent of teachers, while 47 per cent know of a child with obsessive compulsive disorder.
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Mental health problems appear to seriously impact a child’s behaviour, with 89 per cent of teachers agreeing they leave children unable to concentrate.
Such problems also cause 77 per cent to feel isolated or struggle to make friends.
Although mental health problems can have many causes, 72 per cent of teachers blame social media, 71 per cent said general stress over school performance was at fault and 36 per cent believe bullying plays a role.
Teachers claim a lack of services and limited budgets prevents the problems from being sorted.
Family problems, exam and school stress, bullying and social media are potential causes
Chris Keates, general secretary, NASUWT, said: ‘Teachers and school leaders take very seriously their duty of care to their students and it is clear there is a great deal of concern in the profession about the gulf in the availability of expert physiological support and counselling for pupils with mental health needs,’ reported the Independent.
The children charities YoungMinds and Barnardo’s are calling on the government to better train teachers.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: ‘No child should suffer from mental health issues and we are investing a record £1.4bn to ensure all children get the help and support they need.
‘We are strengthening the links between schools and NHS mental health staff and later this year will publish proposals for further improving services and preventative work.’
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