The Mental Health of Children and Young People in England 2023 report has revealed that one in five children and young people in England aged eight to 25 had a probable mental disorder in 2023.
The report published in NHS England found that 20.3% of eight to 16-year-olds had a probable mental disorder in 2023.
The proportion was 23.3% among 17 to 19-year-olds, and in 20 to 25-year-olds it was 21.7%.
After probable mental disorder rates rose between 2017 and 2020, prevalence continued at similar levels in all age groups between 2022 and 2030.
Rising rates of eating disorders
For the first time since the 2017 survey, participants were also questioned about eating disorders. In 2023, eating disorder rates increased from 0.8% in 2017 to 12.5% in 17 to 19-year-olds.
Rates rose both in young women (from 1.6% to 20.8%) and young men (from 0.0% to 5.1%) in this age group between 2017 and 2023.
The recent survey also found that 5.9% of 20- to 25-year-olds had an eating disorder. In 11 to 16-year-olds, eating disorders were identified in 2.6% compared with 0.5% in 2017.
Increased support to young people with probable mental disorders
NHS England has rolled out 398 Mental Health Support Teams within schools and colleges to support young people with probable mental disorders. This covers 35% of pupils and learners in further education.
Currently, 200 teams are in training and are due to become operational by Spring 2025, covering five million of the country’s pupils and learners.
NHS Mental Health Director Claire Murdoch said: “Today’s report shows the continued unprecedented pressures faced by young people and reflects the increased demand for NHS children’s mental health services.
“The NHS is providing support for more children and young people than ever before – we have already supported over 700,000 children and young people with their mental health this year and also seen a 47% increase in young people being treated for eating disorders compared to pre-pandemic.
“NHS staff are working harder than ever to meet the increased demand and we have fast-tracked mental health support for millions of pupils in schools and colleges, as well as significantly expanding the children’s mental health workforce. Our partners, especially in the education, voluntary, and social care sectors, also have a critical role to play in supporting this effort.
“It is vital that any child or young person struggling, or their family, reaches out for help so they can get the care they need.”
The best data source for trends in young people’s mental health
The survey is England’s best data source for trends in children’s and young people’s mental health and how it has changed since 2017. It covers topics such as self-harm, education, bullying, substance use, feelings about the cost of living, climate change, and the future.
Commissioned by NHS England, the Mental Health of Children and Young People 2023 survey was carried out by the Office of National Statistics, the National Centre for Social Research, and the Universities of Cambridge and Exeter earlier this year.
