Support our young people

iT was disturbing to read that by the time they are 15, more than a third of girls in Scotland reported experiencing ‘very high’ emotional problems (Mail, January 9).

facts such as this shine an uncomfortable spotlight on the mental health and wellbeing of our children and young people. even more striking was to note the disparity in gender, as the figures showed such problems to be up to three times higher for girls than boys.

a recent report from the Scottish government also noted that many young girls in Scotland report being ‘unsatisfied with their physical appearance’, often trying to meet unrealistic standards seen on social media, leading to anxiety and depression.

The need for greater research to understand more about the impact of social media on our young people is clear, as is the need to ensure that they are educated on how to use it healthily and on how social media promotes unrealistic expectations.

While people are now more willing to talk about their mental health, as they would their physical health, more needs to be done to develop the resilience of our children and young people and to ensure they get the support they need when they need it. When it is required, sadly too many of our children and young people wait too long for support.

By raising children and young people with good mental wellbeing we can ensure that they are able to reach their full potential. THe SCOTTiSH CHiLDReN’S

SeRviCeS COALiTiON: TOM McGHee, Chairman, Spark of

Genius DuNCAN DuNLOp, Chief executive,

Who Cares? Scotland KeNNY GRAHAM, Falkland House

School NiALL KeLLY, Managing Director,

Young Foundations LYNN BeLL, CeO, LOve learning.