1 in 10 Children Have Mental Health Problems - Government Urged to Legislate

One in ten children are thought to have mental health problems. There are now 5.7 million children diagnosed with ADHD and the use of pyscho-stimulants such as Ritalin is up by 700%

70% of children with Mental Health problems get no interventions at an appropriate age.

New legislation is being called for in a new charter by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on a Fit and Healthy Childhood who want to government to legislate a 2019 Mental Health Bill based on 6 key principles.

• Focus on the needs of children

• Protect children by registering all individuals who work therapeutically with them through an independent government-approved agency such as the Professional Authority’s Accredited Register programme or the Health and Care Professions Council

• Invest in a properly qualified workforce, with Level 7 postgraduate training essential and all professionals who work with children, including teachers, to be trained in mental health awareness, regardless of their own financial resources

• Ensure that policy is informed by the best available and appropriate evidence and is properly funded

• Focus on the needs of parents and carers

• Make policies succeed via ‘joined up working’ between all agencies concerned with child welfare

"The UK Government must deliver on its commitment to ensure that new mental health legislation protects all children who live with mental illness. The effects of our childhoods may indeed 'last a lifetime' but time is precious for children in the here and now." - Helen Clark, Lead Author of the APPG's numerous child health and well-being reports.

The charter is available to read and sign here. and is designed to urge the government to introduce a new Mental Health Bill focusing on children in 2019.

Mental Health & Standing Desks.
The benefits of freedom of movement and exercise generally are universally acknowledged. Our standing desks for kids perpetuate movement and encourage good mental health. The student standing desk encourages participation and it's clear that engaged students are happier students. If you want to trial standing desks in your school you can request a trial here.

For further reading on Mental Health visit the Mental Health Foundation here. They have helpful publications such as talking to your children about healthy internet use.

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