Children as young as four have mental health issues

Children as young as four are suffering from mental health issues such as panic attacks, anxiety and depression, a poll has found.

A poll of 2,051 teaching staff found nearly all of them (98%) had come into contact with pupils experiencing mental health issues.

Of those polled, 91% said they were aware of pupils suffering from panic attacks, 79% depression and 64% knew a student who was self-harming.

Around half said they knew students with eating disorders and 47% knew a child with obsessive compulsive disorder.

Most of the children involved were older - with 58% of teachers saying they had seen issues in 15 to 16-year-olds and 55% in 13 and 14-year-olds.

But nearly a fifth (18%) of those polled said they had been in contact with four to seven-year-olds showing mental health issues.

More than a third (35%) of those polled - all member of the NASUWT union - recognised the same issues in children aged seven to 11.

The impact of these problems was seen in a pupil's inability to concentrate, participate fully and to make friends.

NASUWT general secretary Chris Keates said teachers were concerned about the difficulties faced in getting help for children with mental health needs.

Ms Keates said: "It is clear that teachers and school leaders are seeing many more children and young people who are exhibiting the signs of serious mental distress.

"Teachers and school leaders take very seriously their duty of care to their students and it is clear there is a great deal of concern in the profession about the gulf in the availability of expert physiological support and counselling for pupils with mental health needs."

She added: "The Prime Minister earlier this year pledged to improve mental health support for pupils.

"However, schools cannot address this issue alone and cuts to budgets and services in local authorities, health and education have all taken a heavy toll on the support available."

The reasons given for the increase in mental health problems among children and teenagers were family problems such as ill health or break-ups (according to 91% of teachers), the pressure of exams (84%), social media (72%), the pressure to do well academically (71%) and bullying (36%).

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "No child should suffer from mental health issues and we are investing a record £1.4bn to ensure all children get the help and support they need.

"We are strengthening the links between schools and NHS mental health staff and later this year will publish proposals for further improving services and preventative work.

"We have already announced plans for every secondary school in the country to be offered mental health first aid training. We trust teachers to deliver assessment in a sensible manner that will not create stress among children."