National Children’s Bureau (NCB) and University College London (UCL) have published research showing that one in six report severe mental health problems at the age of 17.
Commenting on the findings, Emma Thomas, Chief Executive of YoungMinds, said:
“It is deeply upsetting to see the numbers of young people at age 17 self-harming and struggling severely with their mental health. This is such an important and transitional time in many young people’s lives, and the findings should act as a wake-up call that more support is urgently needed.
“We know that the reasons why young people self-harm are often complex, but that traumatic experiences - like bereavement, bullying or abuse - can have a huge impact on mental health. This study starkly reports on the prevalence of LGBTQ+ young people with high levels of mental health need, and we welcome the call for better support and more understanding from the adults around them.
“The coronavirus pandemic is adding to the pressures young people are facing, and many have struggled to get the right support for their mental health. Now is the time for the Government to prioritise early support and prevention to ensure young people get help as soon as they need it.”
