A survey conducted by the National Health Service on children and teens in England shows that many of them have been experiencing mental health problems, an alarming issue that calls for immediate action.
The survey of more than 9,000 late teens and children found that age is directly proportional to the rate of those who suffer from the problem. This means that as age increases, those affected by mental health problems also increases. Based on the survey, 2.2 percent of kids ages 2 to 4 years and 16.9 percent of teens ages 17 to 19 are experiencing mental disorders.
Mental Health Problems Among Children Increasing
The number of children who are dealing with mental health problems is slightly rising, which was proven by the percentage in the past years: 1999, 9.7 percent; 2004, 10.1 percent, and 2017, 11.2 percent. The report noted that for children ages 5 to 10, boys are likely to have mental health problems than girls.
What is more disturbing, however, is the higher percentage among children in the older age range who have been suffering from the issue. There is 23.9 percent of women ages 17 to 19 who are having mental health problems, which is more than twice the 11 percent rate among men. Almost 50 percent of the same age range attempted to take their own life, while there is about 25 percent of younger teens who tried to do the same.
The harrowing figures show an underlying problem often brushed off by many. Dr. Bernadka Dubicka of Royal College of Psychiatrists explained that stress in school, body image issue, as well as being a victim of sexual harassment and abuse, have a hand in affecting how these young people feel. Because of the digital age, Dubicka also pointed out that the negative effects of social media may be a factor for mental health problems among young women.
"We still do not fully understand this - all we know is that we see more girls in our clinics," she clarified, adding that services must be readily available for those who are struggling from such mental health disorders.
Negative Effects Of Social Media
Although nothing is sure about the exact connection between social media and mental health problems, the time allotted for the former is worth noting. Children and teens 11 to 19 years old use social media frequently, and one in five experienced cyberbullying.
Additionally, more and more young people seek immediate answers and help from social media instead of heeding the attention of the NHS because it will take about 18 months to get support, something that was recently slammed by Anne Longfield, Children's commissioner for England.
