One million children referred for mental health support - Anxiety the main reason: Points of View

One in every ten children in England was referred to mental health services last year, with anxiety now the single biggest reason. Referrals have almost doubled since 2018, suspected autism referrals have risen by nearly 50% in just one year, and more than 60,000 children are waiting over two years for support. So what is driving this dramatic rise? Is there genuinely a growing mental health crisis among children and young people, or are we simply getting better at recognising conditions that have always existed? Are schools expected to fill the gaps left by overstretched health services? And what role do social media, smartphones, Covid, family life, poverty, SEND pressures and the education system itself play? Join the discussion as we explore one of the biggest challenges currently facing education, healthcare and families. What do you think? Is this a genuine mental health emergency or does the conversation need to change?