ChildLine has published new figures showing an increase in suicidal feelings in children and young people, and mental health issues in general. The charity expressed concern as 59% of its referrals last year were related to suicidal feelings.
In 2014/15, ChildLine made 3714 referrals to external agencies, such as the police or children’s services, with 1996 of these suicide-related. The issue was the top reason for both referrals of 12 to 15-year-olds (52%) and of 16 to 18-year-olds (67%).
In terms of the counselling sessions, 6211 sessions about suicidal feelings took place with 12 to 15-year-olds, while 3959 took place with 16–18-year-olds – an increase on the previous year.
ChildLine founder Esther Rantzen said that the ‘huge rise’ in mental health counselling sessions in recent years was a ‘warning sign that many of today’s children are feeling utterly miserable – to the point that for some, they feel like their life is simply not worth living’.
For NSPCC advice and guidance on mental health issues, preventing abuse and suicidal thoughts in young people visit: www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/
These news stories are brought to you in conjunction with British Journal of School Nursing.
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