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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.

Woman health professional with a clipboard speaking with a teenage boy, in a school or community centre

Role of paediatricians in child mental health

Childhood mental health problems are common and increasing across the UK. Our position, updated in February 2024, outlines the role for paediatricians in prevention, early recognition and holistic care. It also calls for greater investment, support for child health professionals and government action.

Position statement 2024

Mental health leadership

In spring 2022, we hosted a webinar outlining this position, describing training opportunities, networking with CAMHS and seeking views from children and young people.

Watch webinar

Insights from parents, young people and children on mental health

Being me - resources from care-experienced children and young people

Chatterbox game - kickstarting conversations with a playful look at myths

COVID-19 &Us - supporting mental health in a national crisis

Doctor's pocketbook - talking to young patients about mental health

Emoji card game - prompting young people to discuss their feelings

Meeting mental health needs in acute hospitals

The pandemic exacerbated existing pressures on services caring for children and young people presenting with mental ill health. Our joint statement with RCEM and RCPsych recommends how services can work together.

Joint position statement

State of Child Health is our landmark report into the health and wellbeing of children and young people in the UK, which looks at data on child health outcomes - including mental health prevalence and services.

Responding to mental health and wellbeing strategy

In July 2022 we responded to the Department of Health and Social Care call for evidence to inform its new 10-year strategy for England. We argue for a holistic and inclusive approach, prioritising early intervention, integration and multidisciplinary working.

Consultation response

Paediatric training in mental health, and committees

Sub-specialty in child mental health

Special Interest (SPIN) modules, including on child mental health

Child Mental Health College Specialty Advisory Committee

Mental Health Advisory Committee

External resources on child mental health

Latest news about child mental health and wellbeing

More news

Health professionals in scrubs walking down hospital corridor

Media response

22 January 2025

Soaring mental health admissions for children leaving acute services under immense pressure

There was a 65% increase in the number of children and young people being admitted to general acute medical wards in hospitals in England because of a mental health concern between 2012 and 2022.

President's update

20 January 2025

Common challenges facing health systems around the world - President's update

Since a recent visit to India, Steve considers some shared issues in paediatrics and child health around the world. The College has done lots of thinking about what's needed in England through our blueprint, response to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill and work on the 10 Year Health Plan - ...

Media response

6 January 2025

RCPCH responds to Elective Recovery Plan

Paediatricians reiterate need for adequate workforce planning and funding for to tackle out of control waiting times for child health services.

Latest resources about child mental health and wellbeing

More resources

Resource

Draft Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Strategy (Wales) – consultation response

In June 2024 we responded to the Welsh Government consultation on the Draft Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Strategy. The aim of the Suicide and Self-harm Strategy is to reduce the number and rates of suicide deaths that have endured over recent years. It also aims to establish a pathway to supp...

Resource

Draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (Wales) – consultation response

In June 2024 we responded to the Welsh Government consultation on the Draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This strategy will replace the previous ten year strategy together for mental health.

Resource

Health and Social Care Committee (Wales) inquiry into prevention of ill health – obesity – consultation response

In June 2024 we responded to the Health and Social Care Committee’s inquiry into preventing ill health - obesity. This page provides a summary, and you can download our full response below.