What school-age children think about mental health: a Salutogenic public consultation survey

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to ascertain the views of children in relation to mental health and where they can seek help if needed. An electronic survey was designed that consisted of open-ended and pre-coded closed questions. The participants were 154 children from Nottingham, UK. Bullying, loneliness and family problems were cited as the main causes for mental distress. Parents and teachers can create honest transparent relationships and this is regarded as important; children will talk to those who listen, if the right relationship or space is created, children will use it. To promote the mental health of children, schools need to have greater investment in training for existing staff and recruitment of new staff whose job it is to listen, empathise and support children during their education. There is good evidence that mental health promotion programmes in schools, especially those adopting a whole school approach, lead to positive mental health, social and educational outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Children
• mental health
• survey

Acknowledgements

This public consultation survey was commissioned by Nottingham Citizens which is a non-partisan alliance of 37 civil society institutions comprising trade unions, faith groups, charities, schools and university departments, all working together for social justice and the common good. A mental health sub-group of Nottingham Citizens assisted in the design and subsequent discussion of the results. Time spent on the project by the researchers was provided pro bono.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.