The facts

	Key facts about children and young people's mental health
	Poor mental health in children is believed to be behind a growing tide of challenging behaviour in schools, with problems such as self harm and depression becoming more common among young people. • 10% of 5-15 year olds have a diagnosable mental health problem • 80% of children who show behavioural problems at age 5, go on to develop more anti-social forms of behaviour! More than 60% of youth crime is related to anti-social behaviour. • Over 90% of young offenders had a recognisable mental health problem by age 7 and over 75% had truanted or been excluded regularly. • More than a million adolescents have wanted to self harm and more than 800,000 have done so. • Nearly one million young people have felt so miserable that they have contemplated suicide • Over a third of young people lack basic oral communication, problem solving and team working skills required by employers. • Children and young people who do not have access to support, become adults who cannot work or contribute to the community. The impact on already challenged communities is very negative for community self confidence and regeneration.