Latest Expert Witness News

School children 'depressed and anxious'

A new report has highlighted the fact that many school children are suffering mental health problems.

The Good Children Inquiry, commissioned by the Children's Society, has heard evidence from experts in the field, which has revealed that 13 per cent of girls and ten per cent of boys aged between 13 and 15 suffer from mental health problems.

In addition, 27 per cent of youngsters aged 14 to 16 said they often felt depressed, while body image was found to be a concern for seven out of ten under 16s.

Exam stress may be one of the causes of the mounting pressure on the UK's children, according to Stephen Scott, professor of child health and behaviour at the Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London.

'Young people feel under a lot more pressure than they used to. They have high lifestyle expectations, which are often not met,' he explained.

'There is more pressure to succeed in exams and be successful, yet fewer constructive activities and pastimes to take part in.'

A study conducted by Abbey recently found that money and exams are among the top concerns for 11 to 15-year-olds in the UK.

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