Children's mental health decline described as 'biggest challenge'

A coalition report says emotional distress among children and young people has risen sharply and that mental health services are struggling to meet demand, with many facing long waits or being turned away.

A group of leading charities has issued a report warning that the mental health of children and young people in the UK has worsened. The Future Minds report and partner organisations say rates of emotional distress and diagnosable mental illness have risen sharply in recent years. It also reports that the UK lags behind comparable nations in young people’s life satisfaction. The authors describe the situation as one of the biggest challenges facing this generation. Key points: - The report, led by the Centre for Mental Health, Centre for Young Lives, the Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition and YoungMinds, reports a sharp rise in emotional distress among young people and lower life satisfaction compared with similar countries. - The authors report that many children and young people face long waits for specialist care, are turned away from services, or receive early support that is patchy or unavailable. - The report sets out a road‑map for government action that emphasises shifts to community‑based care, greater use of digital tools and AI to widen access, and embedding wellbeing support in schools and youth services. Summary: The report’s authors say the declining mental health of children and young people affects education, future employment prospects and public service demand. It offers a road‑map of reforms for government action. Undetermined at this time.