Netmums’ parents say kids are suffering loneliness and mental health challenges after pandemic
Charlotte Thomas
Social EditorOur opinion poll with BBC Bitesize shows a large number of parents are worried about their kids’ mental health.
Nearly three quarters of parents are worried about their child’s mental health. And three in four say child mental health has become an even bigger priority since the pandemic, according to a Netmums and BBC Bitesize poll.
The survey of 2,000 parents and guardians found that many had concerns about their child’s mental health post-pandemic.
The shocking findings discovered that:
- 44% of respondents said their child had experienced challenges with their mental health and
- 28% had noticed a deterioration in their child’s mental health in the last six months
Child loneliness and friendship were also big concerns:
- Nearly half of all those surveyed said their child had expressed feelings of loneliness as an impact of the pandemic
- 48% of children were experiencing difficulties with friendships and socialising
- Two in three parents said their child expressed anxiety around not being able to see friends and family so easily or often
Netmums' Editorial Director, Anne-Marie O’Leary, said:
‘Parents have told us since the earliest days of the pandemic that their children’s mental health was becoming a growing concern.
‘Fast forward a year, and our latest research conducted in partnership with BBC Education, evidences just how severe the cumulative impact of two years of interrupted schooling and social distancing measures has been. We can’t afford to ignore this issue.’
Helen Foulkes, Head of Education at BBC Bitesize, agreed:
'The statistics speak for themselves – concerns about child mental health and the overall wellbeing of families post-pandemic are reaching a crunch point.'
In a bid to help, Netmums and BBC Bitesize have joined forces to support parents of primary-age children.
The new #LETSTALKABOUTCHILDMENTALHEALTH campaign aims to shine a light on the problem and address the stigma around child mental health.
Both Netmums and BBC Bitesize have launched child mental health hubs on site, featuring content, resources, information and support to families. There will also be collaborations with child mental health experts.
The launch of the campaign was supported by a live panel on child mental health, with actress and Loose Women panellist Kéllé Bryan and vocal coaches Carrie and David Grant talking about their experiences. They were joined by child psychologist, Laverne Antrobus and Dr Ranj Singh.
Kelle said: '
As a mum, I know how important it is to have open and honest conversations around mental health, and yet it is difficult to know the right words, the right timings and the right way to go about it.
'I can’t think of a better time for us to provide support to families tackling child mental health challenges and promote more open and active conversations about all our wellbeing.'
Here's where to find Let's Talk About Child Mental Health information
Watch the #LETSTALKABOUTCHILDMENTALHEALTH panel.
Child mental health information on Netmums and BBC Bitesize.
Pose your child mental health questions to psychologist Laverne Antrobus in our dedicated Child Mental Health Clinic.
