Poor mental health in childhood places a significant strain on children and families, and also has ramifications for later health and wellbeing in adulthood. Poor mental health is a known barrier for children to engage in education, for their ability to build social identities and relationships, and can constrain children’s physical, cognitive and nigeria rcs data emotional development. It is therefore critical that the downwards trend in the mental health of children as young as five can be reversed. This requires sustained investment in mental health services for young people, and crucially in the factors and structures that promote and maintain mental wellbeing.
It is notable that children in more deprived areas experienced consistently worse mental health between 2011 and 2021, highlighting the importance of good quality services and safe spaces to play. Improving the mental health of all children will require cross-sectoral action to improve the conditions in which children grow up.