The mental health crisis among children and young people in England is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. The numbers are alarming: a 36% increase in children and young people attending A&E units in significant distress between 2019 and 2025, with some waiting over 12 hours for help. This is a stark reminder of the growing mental health challenges faced by our youth and the urgent need for comprehensive support systems.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) analysis reveals a disturbing trend. In 2025 alone, 75,491 children and young people sought help in A&E for mental health concerns, a significant jump from 55,525 in 2019. The rise is particularly concerning in very young children aged six to nine, with increases far outpacing the overall jump in attendances. This data highlights the growing crisis and the need for early intervention.
Dr. Sam Jones, an RCPCH officer for mental health, emphasizes the lack of wider mental health care and crisis support in many parts of the country. She argues that emergency departments, while vital, are not the ideal place for children in mental health crisis, as they were never designed for such situations. The long waits and stressful environment can exacerbate the distress of these vulnerable individuals.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that children and young people are often brought to A&E by families, carers, and police, sometimes in emotional crisis, leading to aggressive or challenging behavior. Dr. Mark Buchanan from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine supports this view, stating that children and young people facing mental health crises end up in A&E by default, as they deserve care within systems designed to meet their unique needs.
Gemma Byrne, from the mental health charity Mind, highlights the unacceptable nature of children spending over 12 hours in A&E. She argues that the current system, which often provides support only when young people are considered 'unwell enough' to qualify, is failing them. Early intervention and a network of young future hubs offering a range of support are crucial steps towards addressing this crisis.
The government's planned mental health strategy, to be published later in the summer, is a significant step forward. However, it must prioritize children's mental health and create conditions for lifelong positive mental health. Claire Evans, from Anna Freud, a mental health charity, emphasizes the need for accessible, community-based support to address this growing crisis.
In conclusion, the mental health crisis among children and young people is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. By investing in comprehensive support systems, early intervention, and community-based care, we can ensure that vulnerable children and young people receive the help they need before reaching a crisis point. The future of our youth depends on it.
