Nurturing Young Minds: Understanding and Supporting Children’s Mental Health
Children’s mental health challenges affect an estimated 10-20% of children and adolescents worldwide and comprise of biological, psychological, and social factors. Early intervention is key, as untreated issues can have a long-lasting impact, contributing to ongoing mental health problems into adulthood. Because of this, school teams play a crucial role in formative mental health.
Key Factors influencing Children’s Mental Health:
Understanding the key factors which influence a child’s mental well-being helps educators to develop effective support.
Biological and Health Factors:
A child’s physical health, genetics, diet, and sleep all play a part. Some conditions like ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have a genetic component. Factors during pregnancy, such as maternal smoking, alcohol use, and low birth weight, have been linked to an increased risk of ADHD, aggression, and learning problems. Even a parent’s age can be a factor, with older fathers being linked to higher rates of certain conditions in their children. Chronic physical illnesses also pose a risk. Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, (particularly prevalent in lower-income countries) can be associated with behavioural deficits -something which we may notice in some poorer UK communities.
Family and Home Environment:
The home environment is a powerful influence. Responsive and supportive relationships with caregivers are crucial for emotional development. Conversely, issues like temperamental problems, negative parental affection, and decreased encouragement of independence can contribute to anxiety disorders. The impact of parental expectations can be a double-edged sword; while sometimes linked to positive academic performance, it can also be associated with depression if there’s a significant mismatch with a child’s own expectations.
Family dysfunction, including financial strain, parental education levels, and a history of illness, significantly impacts mental health. Experiences like family violence, unhealthy parental habits (e.g., alcoholism), migration, and divorce can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Tragically, abuse and neglect – physical, sexual, or emotional – profoundly increase the likelihood of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, both in childhood and later life.
It’s important to note that emotional abuse may be particularly linked to anxiety and depression. A parent or carer with a mental health problem is also a significant adverse childhood experience, with maternal depression, for instance, impacting early mother-infant relationships and child development. Children with caring responsibilities (young carers) are also more prone to worry, stress, and missed opportunities.
Social and Peer Environment:
Relationships outside the home can also be impactful. Poor peer relationships, including bullying, social exclusion, and loneliness, are strongly associated with emotional and behavioural problems. Bullying, in particular, can lead to severe psychological issues like anxiety, depression, self-harm, and even suicidality, along with physical symptoms. An increasingly competitive environment, especially academically, can lead to negative emotional states and stress.
It’s vital to acknowledge that prejudice and discrimination significantly impact children from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, as well as LGBTQ+ children and young people, placing them at higher risk of developing mental health issues.
School and Educational Environment:
School is a major part of a child’s life. Poor academic functioning, inconsistent attendance, and difficulties adjusting to school can be early indicators of mental health problems. Conversely, learning difficulties can predispose children to stress and mental health challenges. Negative perceptions of teachers or feeling uncared for by them can also contribute to poorer mental health outcomes. Significant transitions, like changing schools, can heighten stress and anxiety.
Socioeconomic and Socio-political Factors:
Poverty and deprivation, along with associated factors like noise and crowded living conditions, can negatively affect socio-emotional development and mental health. Children from more deprived areas often report poorer mental health. Prolonged political conflict and food hardships are also linked to mental health issues like phobias, anxiety, and PTSD.
Digital Environment:
The modern world presents new challenges. Overconsumption of social media and increased screen time, especially before bed, are linked to negative feelings like “Fear of Missing Out” (FoMO), anxiety, stress, depression, isolation, and sleep disturbances. Cyberbullying is a growing concern with significant impacts on youth mental health.
Other Cross-Cutting Factors:
Mental health issues can vary by age and gender. Emotional problems tend to increase with age, especially for girls, who are substantially more likely to report them. Boys are more likely to experience conduct problems. Race and ethnicity also play a role, with exposure to racism being a significant contributing factor to worse mental health outcomes. Finally, stressful or traumatic life events such as bereavement or being a victim of crime can trigger mental health issues.
Possible Solutions and Support Options for School Staff:
Now it’s time to think about how those working in education can apply these principles in daily routines and strategies to ensure successful outcomes, higher wellbeing and lowered instances of persistent mental health issues.
Education:
Promote Social and Emotional Learning: Integrate SEL to teach children how to manage their emotions, self-regulation, empathy and problem-solving skills
Teach Digital Wellbeing: Teach children about responsible and healthy social media use, and the dangers of cyberbullying. Encourage balanced screen time.
Support systems:
Be aware of the school’s internal support systems, such as school counsellors, pastoral care teams, or designated mental health leads. Know how to refer students to external mental health services when needed.
Actively challenge and address any instances of racism, discrimination, or prejudice. Foster an inclusive environment for all students, including those from diverse racial backgrounds and LGBTQ+ youth.
Identify triggers:
Address Academic Pressure: While encouraging academic achievement, ensure expectations are realistic and a healthy balance is maintained. Emphasize effort and learning over solely focusing on grades.
Be vigilant for changes in behaviour, academic performance, or social interactions. These can be early warning signs. Regular communication with parents can also provide valuable insights.
Empower staff:
Provide training: Regular training on children’s mental health, including recognising signs, understanding diverse needs, and implementing supportive strategies, is invaluable.
Build positive teacher relationships: A caring and supportive relationship with a teacher can be a protective factor. Listen to children, show empathy, and create a sense of belonging.
Develop your culture:
Create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and connected. Promote positive peer relationships and explicitly address bullying.
Open communication with families is crucial. Share concerns, offer resources, and work together to support the child.
By adopting a proactive and empathetic approach, school staff can significantly contribute to nurturing the mental well-being of all children, helping them thrive both academically and emotionally.
How AMHIE can help
We offer our members access to the resources, training and support that help educational teams recognise and respond to mental health challenges. Delivering mental health support to students/pupils can be challenging to those who they themselves may not be in the best mental health. Stress, Burnout, Anxiety and Depression are all prevalent within the education sector, so we offer individual help, advice and signposting to boost mental health within the whole community.
References:
Basu, Sandhya, and Bidisha Banerjee. “Impact of environmental factors on mental health of children and adolescents: A systematic review.” Children and Youth Services Review 119 (2020): 105515.
Essex MJ, Kraemer HC, Armstrong JM, et al. Exploring Risk Factors for the Emergence of Children’s Mental Health Problems. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63(11):1246–1256. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.63.11.1246
Kieling, Christian, et al. “Child and adolescent mental health worldwide: evidence for action.” The lancet 378.9801 (2011): 1515-1525.
NSPCC Learning – https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-health-development/child-mental-health