The headteacher of a school in Yorkshire has made a plea for help after 12 children have attempted to take their own life in just two months. The suicide attempts have happened since September, as pupils and teachers struggle with a surge in mental health issues.
Councillors at a meeting held in East Riding heard Hornsea Secondary School had seen a disturbing rise in pupils self-harming and with eating disorders, as well as children dealing with domestic violence and drug or alcohol abuse at home. Headteacher Steve Ostler said safeguarding cases had more than doubled since the coronavirus pandemic with 265 cases being dealt with since the school year started just two months ago, Hull Live has reported.
Council public health lead Andy Kingdom said the situation would likely worsen during winter and the councillors heard the growing concern at Hornsea was reflected across schools in East Yorkshire. They also heard school funding had not increased to combat the rise in mental health problems in children.
