MPs to launch new inquiry into young people’s mental health

The Education Committee has joined forces with the Health Committee to launch a new inquiry into young people’s mental health.

The inquiry will examine the role of education in promoting emotional wellbeing in children and young people and preventing the development of mental health problems.

It will have a specific focus on the capacity of schools, colleges and other educational settings in prevention and early intervention, including how teachers and other professionals can be trained to recognise the signs of mental illness and support pupils when problems occur.

The inquiry will also look into how social media and the internet is contributing to an increase in mental health issues through instances of cyberbullying and peer pressure.

Neil Carmichael MP, chair of the Education Committee, said: "The undoubted increase in the number of children and young people suffering from mental health issues is extremely alarming. Children are not able to access the services and get the help they need at an early stage. Some only receive support from under pressure mental health services once their condition has worsened.

“Schools and colleges have a key part to play in tackling this problem and the Committee will examine what their role should be. It could be providing better access to counselling, promoting responsible social media use and training teachers to spot early warning signs, for example.

“But they cannot be expected to do this alone and so we will also be considering what support and resources these education settings will need if they are to successfully boost the emotional wellbeing of pupils and prevent the development of mental health issues."