Charity's fears over kids' mental health

Almost half a million young people who are worried about their feelings or behaviour are not asking anyone for help, according to a children's charity.

A survey of 2,300 people aged 10 to 17 found 58% had asked for help because of concerns about their feelings, while eight per cent indicated they had not sought help even though they did have worries.

Applying their results to population estimates by the Office for National Statistics, The Children's Society estimated that more than 464,000 children may have worries about their feelings and behaviour but have not sought help.

The charity warned that the mental health of these children could be at risk of deteriorating.

The research study found that of those who asked for help (77%) had spoken to close family, 38% were helped by friends and 36% who were supported by an adult at school.

The national charity said it believed a "fear of stigma and judgment" and a lack of knowledge about the support services available were some of the reasons for young people not wanting to ask for help with their mental health.

Mark Russell, chief executive of The Children's Society, said: "The voices of children matter and if any child is having worries about their feelings or behaviour they should not have to suffer in silence.

“It's a travesty that such vast numbers of children who clearly need help are not telling anyone at all.

"The next government needs to prioritise access to immediate emotional and mental health support for all children through their school or in their community."