Mental Health Innovations' latest report, produced in partnership with Imperial College London's Institute of Global Health Innovation, explores the mental health of children aged 13 and under and highlights the urgent need for better support.
The report warns that children under 13 are too often grouped together with older teenagers in mental health policy and services, despite facing different challenges, experiencing mental health issues differently, and seeking support in different ways.
Drawing on insights from children gathered through MHI's Middle Years Project, alongside analysis of how under-13s use our 24/7 crisis text support service, Shout, the report found that younger children are not simply occasional users of digital support.
Many return repeatedly, including when experiencing self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Among younger Shout users surveyed, 40% said they did not have a friend, family member or trusted adult they could talk to, and 51% said they wanted to speak to someone who did not know them.
The report also puts forward key recommendations for government, schools, services and digital providers on how to support this age group.
Read the full report below:
