Child mental health crisis must not become “new normal”

Children First has warned that children trapped in a mental health crisis with nowhere to turn must not become the “new normal”. The charity has launched an urgent appeal for support to address the growing mental health crisis engulfing children and young people across the country.

Figures from Scotland’s national children’s charity have shown more than two thirds of the 5,108 people who contacted their national support line were worried about a child’s emotional wellbeing.

A recent survey commissioned by the charity showed a staggering 92% of children and young people aged 11-25 in Scotland were worried about mental health. The same survey showed only one in four children believed childhood is better now than when their parents were young. These startling statistics come after Children First found 100 referrals a day were being made to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services across Scotland last year. 

The grave situation has prompted warnings from Children First’s chief executive Mary Glasgow:

“It is unacceptable that our children are living with spiralling levels of worry and anxiety and cannot get the support they need. This cannot become the new normal. This has to stop.

“Scotland is facing a childhood emergency. Every day our teams are supporting children and young people who are completely overwhelmed by how difficult things are. Far too many young people feel frightened and alone and have no one in their life they can trust.

“Without urgent support from the public, we will struggle to meet the growing demand for our vital services, and we are urging anyone who can to please make a donation.”

Mary added:

“Scotland’s children should not have to reach crisis point before they get support. We have repeatedly called on the Scottish Government to roll out more early help and support.

“Children and young people are trapped in a mental health crisis, made worse by online harm, exploitation and social media bombarding them with unrealistic expectations.”

One mum who called Children First’s support line in a desperate plea for help and worried sick about the mental health of her daughter, Orla*, said: “I honestly don’t know what I’d do without the Children First support line.”

Orla was only 14 when she tried to end her life. Support from Jess*, a recovery worker at Children First, has resulted in Orla feeling less anxious and more positive about the future.

Anyone worried about a child can call the Children First support line on 08000 28 22 33 or start a webchat at childrenfirst.org.uk.

Donations to Children First’s urgent appeal can be made at http://childrenfirst.org.uk/appeal or by calling 0345 10 80 111.