Exam stress, poverty and social media are fuelling mental health problems among school pupils, a top Glasgow psychologist has warned.
The city council’s lead educational psychologist Barry Syme laid out the issues kids face at a council meeting discussing mental health services at school this week.
Mr Syme said young people are “under an incredible amount of stress” during exams and most children needing support are from poor backgrounds.
READ MORE: Glasgow crackdown on new fast food drive-thrus set to be rolled ou t
Mr Syme said: “We do a breakdown of the referrals to the services we mention today and the vast majority - 68 to 70 per cent - are from SIMD 1, 2 and 3,” which are the most deprived areas.
He added: “I also think one of the biggest things is the demand we put on young people for qualifications now. If you look at what young people have to achieve to actually get into university or employment we have to work towards examinations and that puts an incredible amount of stress on young people.”
Speaking at this week’s education, skills and early years city policy committee, he also mentioned creating a personal statement for applications and social media adds to pressure.
In addition lockdown robbed young people between the ages of 13 to 17 of experiences which, which would have had a long term benefit according to Mr Syme.
His comments came following a question from councillor Blair Anderson (Scottish Greens) about the reasons for mental health issues among young people.
The meeting heard about a range of mental health services being integrated into schools. They include counselling, play therapy and working with children who find it difficult to attend school.
Pointing out how the pandemic has exacerbated issue, Mr Syme said: "It is a real challenge - that is why it is so important we have that huge range of services that people can access."
Labour councillor Fiona Higgins thanked the education department for work in addressing a “severe mental health crisis in our schools.”
As a teacher for years, she said: “I know on the ground how hard it is and how great the need is. With the role of social media and the pandemic it is heightening. Resources to tackle the problem are stretched so I’m thankful for the innovative ways you are addressing the problem and all the different programmes and organisations you are working with to do that.”
The politician asked about the continuation of services for children who leave secondary school.
Officials told the meeting transitions needed to be looked at.
A range of services are provided by Glasgow City Council's education department and the health and social care partnership working with partners in schools. They complement services offered by specialist children's services and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHs) service.
Examples of work being undertaken in schools and communities to to support children and young people’s mental health and well-being and provide early intervention
Secondary and primary school counselling
For secondary counselling 1034 pupils have been referred for anxiety, stress, family issues, bereavement, anger and self harm. Between April 21 and March 22, 416 primary school children have been seen for issues including anxiety, anger and self-esteem.
A Children and Young People’s Networking Team:
The team is being developed to help to direct children, young people, and their families into the range of available mental health support across Glasgow.
CAMHS Health Care Support Workers:
The team provides support to families whilst they wait for treatment and assist the CAMH clinicians to progress neurodevelopmental assessments.
Quarriers Primary School Work:
Quarriers is working with 713 pupils carrying out multiple group work programmes.
Primary play therapy:
WithKids provide play therapy in primary schools and currently support 53 children.
Self-harm:
A programme to increase the number of staff trained in self-harm awareness.
Online mental health support for 10 to 16 year-olds:
Mental health organisation Kooth provides support to young people through an anonymous self-help support platform.
Emotionally based school non attendance and REACH service:
The service has developed guidance for staff to help children who don’t attend school because of factors including anxiety, autism and neurodevelopmental profiles. The guidelines offer advice on what staff can do to support them.
The aim of the Quarriers REACH service is to provide targeted support to children and young people who are not going to school.
Eating disorder awareness training:
Pastoral care teachers are to be trained in basic eating disorder awareness.
READ NEXT
Glasgow crackdown on new fast food drive-thrus set to be rolled out
Glasgow families vote for new school name as favourite emerges
North Glasgow strategy to boost public transport and help communities thrive
Glasgow Govanhill residents set to get skip in bid to cut fly-tipping
Glasgow vandals smash 50 primary school windows in 'outrageous' attacks
