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Child mental health

We must work together to improve children's mental health - to put resources into early intervention and prevention, building resilience and ensuring our workforce is trained to spot the signs of mental ill health and equipped to refer and support children.

Role of paediatricians in supporting children and young people's mental health

There is considerable variation in how child mental health services are delivered across the UK.

Our position statement outlines the role of paediatricians in supporting children and young people’s mental health and makes key recommendations to ensure their mental health needs are met.

Read statement
Illustration of a young person thinking with words: Bullying, Social media, Abuse, Grades, Emotion, Jobs, Neglect, Exams, Pressures, Body image, Future

COVID-19 &Us - young people's experiences of mental health in a pandemic

In 2020, RCPCH &Us brought together young people and health professionals to share reflections from the pandemic, gaps and future solutions. 

Key themes covered the digital channels young people use, limitations of online therapy, signposting to services and more.

Illustration by Bethany, age 16

Find out more

Our resources on child mental health

Why we have a mental health section - reflections by Dr Max Davie (2018)
What changes we want to see in mental health (2018)
NHS Long Term Plan and mental health - our submission to NHS England (2019)
Making mental health a priority - our joint position statement (2017)
State of Child Health - evidence on mental health (2020)
Child mental health sub-specialty - information
Special Interest (SPIN) modules, including on child mental health - application…

External resources on child mental health

We Can Talk - co-produced mental health training, advice and resources
MindEd - free online learning and advice
The Young People's Pocketbook for doctors

Doctor's pocketbook

Our summer intern, Papia (age 17) created a pocketbook to show healthcare professionals young people's expectations of how they wish their doctor’s consultations to be.
Print the pocketbook now

Chatterbox game on wellbeing

Based on the classic children's game, this game provides ‘Facts vs Myths’ surrounding the subject of mental health, which can enable a teacher/healthcare professional to facilitate a discussion regarding this issue
Use the chatterbox now

Emoji card game

This game, designed by Amina (aged 17) one of our Summer 2017 interns, enables a young person to pick the emoji cards that best represent how they are feeling, prompt them to discuss the topic and find out more information.
Download now

Our related news

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Officer for Ireland message - June 2021

21 June 2021
Dr Ray Nethercott sets out some key observations on the Northern Ireland policy landscape; the recently published NI Executive Child poverty Strategy report and; the next steps the College are taking to respond to the ongoing Department of Health's consultation, Duty of Candour and Being Open.
Health policy
Membership
Public health