SOURCE A:
Children and Young People's Mental Health

The emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people is just as important as their physical health and wellbeing. Research carried out by the National Children's Bureau in 2019 found that extreme pressure to achieve at school and the effects of social media harm the mental health of children and young people.

According to Young Minds:

• 1 in 8 children and young people aged 5 – 19 have a diagnosable mental health condition
• emotional disorders are the most common type of disorder experienced by 5 – 19 year-olds
• 75% of all mental health problems are established by the time someone is 24
• 75% of young people who are experiencing mental health problems are not receiving treatment.

Significant improvements to mental health services for children and young people are needed.

Most schools have some support in place to help develop emotional wellbeing among their students. However, spending cuts by local councils on children's mental health services has meant this support was mostly being paid for from the schools' own budgets. Only a third of the support was paid for by organisations other than the school.

QUESTION:
Examine the actions that different groups can take to improve mental health services for children and young people.

In your response you should refer to Source A and examples from your own knowledge.

There are various actions different groups can take to improve mental health services for children and young people. These groups include the government, schools, charities, and individuals. The government has a crucial role. As Source A highlights, 'spending cuts by local councils' have negatively impacted services, suggesting that increased government funding is a necessary action. This funding could be directed towards Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to reduce waiting times, as the source states 75% of young people with problems are not receiving treatment. The government could also legislate to regulate social media companies, which the source identifies as a cause of harm to young people's mental health. Schools are on the frontline and can take direct action. Source A mentions that 'most schools have some support in place'. They can build on this by embedding mental health education into the curriculum, training teachers to spot early signs of mental distress, and providing in-school counsellors. This would make support more accessible and help tackle the issue before it escalates, which is important as the source notes 75% of problems are established by age 24. Charities and pressure groups, such as Young Minds (mentioned in the source), can take action by campaigning and raising awareness. They can lobby the government for better funding and policies. They also provide direct support, such as helplines and online resources, which fills the gap left by underfunded official services. Their action is vital in holding the government to account and providing immediate help. Finally, individuals and communities can act by challenging the stigma around mental health. This can be done through open conversations, community events, and supporting local mental health initiatives. This creates a more supportive environment for young people to seek help. In conclusion, a multi-faceted approach is needed. While government funding is fundamental, the actions of schools, charities, and individuals are all essential to create a comprehensive support system for young people's mental health.