Health experts warn that children’s mental health in England has reached crisis levels, as a new report reveals children in the North are more likely to experience mental health difficulties than those in the South, according to a new report led by The University of Manchester.
Nearly one in five primary school children are now experiencing a probable mental health disorder – more than double the rate in 2011 – according to analysis published today by Health Equity North on behalf of the Child of the North All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
Children and young people growing up in disadvantaged communities, particularly across parts of the North of England, are more likely to experience cumulative adversity, poorer wellbeing, and reduced access to support.
The report, ‘Building a Preventative Mental Health System for Children and Young People’, shows that demand for support is rapidly outpacing capacity, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without help.
The report shows thatcone-third of adolescent mental health problems could potentially be prevented through action on child poverty.
A record 850,000 children accessed NHS mental health support in 2025
Around 385,000 children are still waiting for mental health support.
Children with mental health difficulties are three times more likely to miss significant amounts of school, highlighting the impact on educational outcomes and long-term life chances.
One in four children referred for specialist mental health support are turned away.
Health experts warn that children’s mental health in England has reached crisis levels, as a new report reveals children in the North are more likely to experience mental health difficulties than those in the South, according to a new report led by The University of Manchester.
Nearly one in five primary school children are now experiencing a probable mental health disorder – more than double the rate in 2011 – according to analysis published today by Health Equity North on behalf of the Child of the North All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
Children and young people growing up in disadvantaged communities, particularly across parts of the North of England, are more likely to experience cumulative adversity, poorer wellbeing, and reduced access to support.
The report, ‘Building a Preventative Mental Health System for Children and Young People’, shows that demand for support is rapidly outpacing capacity, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without help.
The report shows:
Around one-third of adolescent mental health problems could potentially be prevented through action on child poverty.
A record 850,000 children accessed NHS mental health support in 2025
Around 385,000 children are still waiting for mental health support.
Children with mental health difficulties are three times more likely to miss significant amounts of school, highlighting the impact on educational outcomes and long-term life chances.
One in four children referred for specialist mental health support are turned away.
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Research shows that mental health inequalities begin very early in life, often before a child is even born. We see higher rates of perinatal mental health difficulties among parents in parts of the North, and these challenges can have lasting impacts on children’s emotional development and wellbeing.
Professor Pamela Qualter, The University of Manchester
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The report authors, led by academics from The University of Manchester, stress that these patterns reflect wider inequalities in poverty, housing, and access to community support and that the NHS “cannot treat its way out” of the crisis. Report recommendations call for a shift towards prevention, tackling the root causes of poor mental health.
The research also highlights how the consequences of adverse childhood mental health can lead to poor health and opportunities as an adult.
Without early and holistic intervention, it warns that rising mental health problems among children will continue to translate into higher levels of youth disengagement and long-term economic inactivity.
Professor Pamela Qualter, Director of Research (SEED) at The University of Manchester, and lead report author, said: “Research shows that mental health inequalities begin very early in life, often before a child is even born. We see higher rates of perinatal mental health difficulties among parents in parts of the North, and these challenges can have lasting impacts on children’s emotional development and wellbeing.
“Children’s mental health is shaped by the environments and services that support them – including family circumstances, poverty, housing, and access to support. These factors accumulate over time, increasing the likelihood that some children face multiple and reinforcing disadvantages.
“If we want to reduce mental health inequalities, we need to think much earlier and much more holistically. Supporting parents, families and communities is one of the most powerful
ways we can improve outcomes for children and prevent problems from escalating later in life.”
Emma Lewell MP, Co-Chair of the Child of the North APPG, said: “Today’s mental health crisis among children and young people cannot be seen in isolation. It is closely linked to wider social and economic challenges, including rising school absence, exclusion, and increasing numbers of young people disengaging from education and employment.
“The impact of children missing school is particularly concerning as school disengagement is a key pathway into becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training). There is also a pressing need to ensure that NEETs have access to sustainable employment opportunities, alongside sufficient placement opportunities to support participation in education, skills development and vocational training. Poor mental health, absence and exclusion reinforce each other over time – leading to higher risks of unemployment, poorer health outcomes and reduced life chances in early adulthood.
“If we are serious about tackling youth unemployment and reducing the number of young people who are NEET, we must start by addressing children’s mental health and the inequalities that drive it.
“Improvement is not a pipe dream – there are already many examples of positive action across the North, with charities, community groups and education services providing support for young people. These models can be replicated across the country to support health and school services in tackling these urgent issues.
“With targeted investment to support interventions to help those in need now, and a more prevention focused mindset for future generations, there is a chance to turn the tide. We are calling for stronger coordination across healthcare, education, local government and the voluntary sector to deliver a more joined-up, preventative system that supports children earlier and reduces long-term inequalities.”
Hannah Davies, Executive Director of Health Equity North, said: “Children’s mental health is not just a health issue – it is a social and economic issue that requires coordinated action across society.
“Improving outcomes will require sustained investment in tackling child poverty, strengthening family support, improving inclusion and belonging in schools, and rebuilding youth and community services. These are not ‘nice to have’ interventions – they are critical to preventing problems before they escalate.
“This report makes clear that without early, coordinated action, we risk experiencing a lost generation, with a cycle of disadvantage that will affect not just individuals, but our economy, education system and communities for years to come. The evidence is also clear that with the right investment in prevention, we can change the trajectory and give more children the chance to thrive.”
