The mental health issues independent school pupils are facing

Neuro-psychiatrist Dr Thomas Dannhauser explains the mental health issues independent school pupils are facing today, the challenges in identifying those at-risk, and how technology is making mental health worse…but now also offers a solution

Children today face many new issues when it comes to their mental health and wellbeing and unfortunately, we are now seeing the impact of this. According to Young Minds, one in six children aged five to 16 were identified as having a probable mental health problem in 2021.

Issues amongst children are being caused or worsened as a result of their modern, digital-native, online lives. Technology and social media put children at far higher risk of disorders than was the case for previous generations.

Children with ADHD, for example, are more likely to become addicted to gaming. Overuse of social media and gaming can cause depression, and depressed children can find information online on how to self-harm. And there is online abuse – bullying in childhood is still one of the major root causes of adult anxiety disorders.

Many conditions first emerge in schools – ADHD, the most common serious mental health problem in children almost always does and affects an estimated 6.7% of the UK population. Up to 35% of pupils experience bullying in school, which in turn leads to mental health problems in 20% of victims.

By the time their issues are identified and addressed, they are often young adults – and their problems can be far worse than if identified sooner. The life consequences can be very significant.

However, many independent schools do not currently have the tools they need. Diagnosing ADHD, for example, requires expert skills - you can’t expect even the best teachers to identify it through past experience or intuition.

I mentioned the negative impacts some forms of technology are having on children today. However, I’ve also now experienced technology that is a key solution. Teachers, leaders and mental health specialists in many schools now use the Govox mental health and wellbeing platform, identifying high risk and symptomatic pupils far earlier. Staff are also encouraged to participate.

Very simple ‘check ins’ are completed – on a computer, phone or tablet – where, twice a term short questions are answered analysing overall mental health, providing an ongoing ‘wellbeing score’. Any concerning findings flag high risk users that may need extra attention and support.

This technology was formed in collaboration with experts at King’s College London, NHSx and involved medically experienced psychiatrists like me. Having a database of data points of how a child is feeling and how they are performing can give early warning that more structured action is needed, and assessments can be initiated faster and with greater accuracy.

The platform is already used by tens of thousands of pupils and staff. This proven approach rapidly raises mental health awareness across the entire school, driving a sense of community and purpose to support each other with what are now very common mental health challenges, in a turbulent world.

I can confirm that technology is no longer just a part of the problem, it’s now an important part of the solution. This is why I encourage schools to join with us now, and for leaders to onboard their schools before the next academic year. Not just for the good of their Independent School – it helps fund the installation of Govox in state schools that may otherwise be unable to afford it.

Dr Thomas Dannhauser, is medical advisor to Govox and works part-time as a consultant psychiatrist and medical specialist in mental health. He was awarded the TopDoctors.com highest certificate for excellence in 2022 based solely on patient feedback. Thomas uses the rest of his time as a neuroscientist developing new technologies that have already helped tens of thousands of people internationally. Govox is Gold partner of The Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) and has committed to provide 1,000 state secondary schools with free access in association with suicide prevention charity; The Jordan Legacy, the Mental Health Foundation, and with Local Mind for signposting to the most effective support and patient pathways.

Sources: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/about-us/media-centre/mental-health-statistics/