Thinking Ahead: Why We Need To Improve Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing

One in 10 children and young people suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. This book suggests it would be good for children, their life chances as well as good for society at large if children were given a better start to life. A good start enhances children’s mental, social and emotional development as well as their educational achievements. It matters because it is good for children, but also because it makes them resilient to mental and physical illness through their lives. The book examines the key stages in childhood and influences on well-being, from family, parenting, schools, environment, to housing and other elements of the environment. It explores whether enough is being done to promote mental wellbeing and tackle emotional and behavioural problems early in life, and looks at the cost of not doing enough in those early years. Chapters include: why invest in the pre-school years; family culture and its impact on childhood well-being; why parenting support matters; improving mental health and well-being through schools; building a better environment for children’s well-being; the natural environment and its impact on children’s mental well-being; and the impact of the media and advertising on children and their mental health.