Social workers warn of rise in mental health problems among children

Councils said they have ‘grave concerns’ over the growing demand for help, which is seeing nearly 1,500 children a week presenting with mental health problems. Photograph: Maskot/Getty Images

Social workers are warning of a rise in the number of children with mental health problems since the start of the pandemic, with official figures recording a 25% increase as successive lockdowns and school closures take a toll.

Councils said they have “grave concerns” over the growing demand for help, with nearly 1,500 children a week presenting with mental health problems – an increase that could cost councils an extra £600m a year.