Child emotional problems 'on rise'
Updated on 20 June 2007
Today's children and young people are suffering from declining emotional wellbeing, new research suggests.
Studies carried out by leading children's charity NCH found a 100% increase in the prevalence of emotional problems and conduct disorders among young people since the 1930s and that one in ten children now have a mental health disorder to a "clinically significant" level.
The research also showed that the British public believe emotional wellbeing plays an increasingly important role in a child's future social standing.
The charity defines an "emotionally well" child as one which demonstrates empathy, self awareness, an ability to manage their feelings, motivation and good social skills.
The research found the public believes emotional wellbeing is more important than family income (59% compared to 49%), physical health (56%) and IQ (58%).
Clare Tickell, chief executive of NCH said: "The lack of emotional wellbeing amongst our children and young people is undermining the foundations of any social policy to combat social exclusion, deprivation or lack of social mobility.
"We urge Gordon Brown and his new cabinet to commit to tackling this hidden and fast growing problem. The emphasis must change from social class to social skills, self esteem and resilience if we are to give the next generation the chance they deserve."
The final findings of the studies will be published in the autumn, when the charity will launch their major new campaign, Growing Strong.
Children's Minister Beverley Hughes said that figures issued by the Office of National Statistics in 2005 do not support NCH claims that incidences of childhood depression are rising.
She said: "In fact, they show that the prevalence of mental disorders among five to 16-year-olds in 2004 have remained broadly unchanged from the previous survey in 1999."
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