The annual survey of HeadStart, a programme set up to improve the mental health and wellbeing of 10- to 16-year-olds, has found that almost 25% of girls are experiencing emotional problems, compared to almost 11% of boys. It found that behavioural problems are more common for boys (23%) than girls (15%), and that the odds of experiencing mental health problems were significantly increased for children who are eligible for free school meals, have special educational needs, and those categorised as ‘child in need’. It also found that being in an ethnic group other than White reduced the odds of experiencing a mental health problems.
Mental health problems in young people highlighted in annual survey
