This evidence-based report, commissioned by the NHS, on the mental health of children and young people in London highlights the toll the pandemic has taken on children and young people’s mental health. The report by Kooth reveals a rise in suicidal ideation, an increase in those presenting with eating difficulties and higher rates of self-harm across the capital.
Even before COVID-19 hit, mental health services for children and young people were overstretched. The pandemic has only exacerbated the situation, as lockdowns, isolation, school closures, and loss of routines, caused profound disruption to the lives of young Londoners.
In London alone, new registrations by children and young people to the Kooth platform rose by a third with amost half coming from children and young people of Black, Asian and Non-White backgrounds.
This report provides information and direction on how parents/guardians, teachers, educators and employers can identify and respond to signs of mental health problems.
The proportion of children and young people under 18 presenting with suicidal thoughts, self harm, school/college issues and eating difficulties was higher in London compared to the rest of the country. Anxiety/stress is worse outside of the capital.