children & young people's counselling in the news and background information
Helping teenagers to understand their feelings during isolation
Coronavirus-enforced isolation can have a huge impact on teenagers. This article by Vibeke Venema on BBC News provides information and suggests ways that you can help teenagers to understand their feelings
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-52110460?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education&link_location=live-reporting-story
Coronavirus-enforced isolation can have a huge impact on teenagers. This article by Vibeke Venema on BBC News provides information and suggests ways that you can help teenagers to understand their feelings
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-52110460?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education&link_location=live-reporting-story
Adolescent behaviour explained…
In her new book ‘The secret life of the teenage brain’, cognitive neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blackmore explains how adolescent brains are in ‘state of development’ and are biologically different to children’s and adult brains.
The book explains how stereotypical teenage behaviour, such as ‘risk-taking’ and ‘fear of social exclusion’ is a by-product of their brain’s structural development and that there is a natural ‘pruning process’ that refines the neurological pathways as their brain matures. The book also reinforces the belief that exposure to a variety of experiences around education, culture and social life helps the teenage brain to develop.
In her new book ‘The secret life of the teenage brain’, cognitive neuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blackmore explains how adolescent brains are in ‘state of development’ and are biologically different to children’s and adult brains.
The book explains how stereotypical teenage behaviour, such as ‘risk-taking’ and ‘fear of social exclusion’ is a by-product of their brain’s structural development and that there is a natural ‘pruning process’ that refines the neurological pathways as their brain matures. The book also reinforces the belief that exposure to a variety of experiences around education, culture and social life helps the teenage brain to develop.
No sex please, we’re teenagers
Fran Yeoman’s recent article in The Telegraph called ‘Sex and Sensibility’ reports that teenage pregnancy rates are falling, with ‘smart-phone’ relationships replacing real-life encounters.
A report published by the British Pregnancy Advice Service shows that pregnancy rates are down 55% over the past 10 years, but suggests that ‘social, romantic and sexual relationships’ are instead shifting on-line. Only 34% of 16-18 year olds surveyed by BPAS reported actually having sex, with 'Sexting' and sending sexual photographs and video often replacing ‘real’ sex.
Fran Yeoman’s recent article in The Telegraph called ‘Sex and Sensibility’ reports that teenage pregnancy rates are falling, with ‘smart-phone’ relationships replacing real-life encounters.
A report published by the British Pregnancy Advice Service shows that pregnancy rates are down 55% over the past 10 years, but suggests that ‘social, romantic and sexual relationships’ are instead shifting on-line. Only 34% of 16-18 year olds surveyed by BPAS reported actually having sex, with 'Sexting' and sending sexual photographs and video often replacing ‘real’ sex.
Staying safe on social networks
The NSPCC’s ‘Share Aware’ initiative focuses on helping children and teenagers to stay safe on social networks, apps and games. It includes practical information about using things such as ‘privacy settings’ and suggest how parents can talk about the potential issues with children.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC’s ‘Share Aware’ initiative focuses on helping children and teenagers to stay safe on social networks, apps and games. It includes practical information about using things such as ‘privacy settings’ and suggest how parents can talk about the potential issues with children.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
Body Image
The July issue of ‘Therapy Today’ reports on a Mental Health Foundation survey of over 4,000 people that finds that more than a third of UK adults have felt anxious or depressed about their body image. In the survey 22% of adults and 46% of 18 to 24-year old's said that images on social media had caused them to worry about their body image. The foundation is calling on the government and on the social media industry to introduce new codes of practice on promoting body image content.
The July issue of ‘Therapy Today’ reports on a Mental Health Foundation survey of over 4,000 people that finds that more than a third of UK adults have felt anxious or depressed about their body image. In the survey 22% of adults and 46% of 18 to 24-year old's said that images on social media had caused them to worry about their body image. The foundation is calling on the government and on the social media industry to introduce new codes of practice on promoting body image content.
Child self-harm on the increase
The Children’s Society ‘Good Childhood’ report reveals that 22% of girls and 9% of boys aged 14 say that they have self-harmed and this increases to 46% for those 14-year olds identifying as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Self-harm can be used by young-people as a 'coping mechanism' when they are stressed or feel overwhelmed by their emotions.
More children seeking help for loneliness
Childline has seen a 14% increase in the number of children contacting them because of ‘loneliness’, with the majority of calls coming from young girls. This article on the BBC News site explains how the Childline research was carried out and suggests that the pressure of ‘social media’ networks and ‘busy’ families could be contributing. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44692344
Childline has seen a 14% increase in the number of children contacting them because of ‘loneliness’, with the majority of calls coming from young girls. This article on the BBC News site explains how the Childline research was carried out and suggests that the pressure of ‘social media’ networks and ‘busy’ families could be contributing. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44692344
The reality of 'on-line friends’
Online safety group Internet Matters reports on a recent survey of 1,000 young people highlighting growing trends in on-line behaviour. The average 11-16 year old now has 144 Facebook friends, 125 on Instagram and 114 on Twitter, but has only 43 ‘real’ friends. Many have on-line friends that they have never actually met and over half admitted to removing privacy filters on their accounts to attract more followers. www.internetmatters.org
Online safety group Internet Matters reports on a recent survey of 1,000 young people highlighting growing trends in on-line behaviour. The average 11-16 year old now has 144 Facebook friends, 125 on Instagram and 114 on Twitter, but has only 43 ‘real’ friends. Many have on-line friends that they have never actually met and over half admitted to removing privacy filters on their accounts to attract more followers. www.internetmatters.org
1 in 30 young people identify themselves as LGB
The office for National Statistics report that 1 in 30 16-24 year olds now identify themselves as being lesbian, gay or bisexual. The same survey taken four years ago was 1 in 38. The national average across all age groups is 1 in 60
Social Media – should schools do more ?
The BBC ran an article recently describing the challenges that children face when they move into the on-line world of ‘social-media’ for the first time and asking if schools themselves should do more to prepare pupils for the challenges that they will face ?
The report by the Schools Commissioner for England highlights the potential impact on children as they move from primary to secondary school – where they are suddenly confronted by the need for a ‘social media persona’ with ‘likes’ and ‘friends’ as the mechanism that potentially defines their social validation. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42563173
The BBC ran an article recently describing the challenges that children face when they move into the on-line world of ‘social-media’ for the first time and asking if schools themselves should do more to prepare pupils for the challenges that they will face ?
The report by the Schools Commissioner for England highlights the potential impact on children as they move from primary to secondary school – where they are suddenly confronted by the need for a ‘social media persona’ with ‘likes’ and ‘friends’ as the mechanism that potentially defines their social validation. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42563173
CAMHS – 1 in 4 children and young people are now not accepted
A new report from the Education Policy Institute highlights that over 25% of referrals to CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services) were not accepted in 2016/17, with the main reason being that they did not meet the threshold for treatment.
A new report from the Education Policy Institute highlights that over 25% of referrals to CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services) were not accepted in 2016/17, with the main reason being that they did not meet the threshold for treatment.
Report claims 1 in 6 British teenagers are unhappy
A recent article by Sian Griffiths in the Sunday Times reports on the findings of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which questioned over 500,000 teenagers in 72 countries about their well-being and their academic performance. The report highlighted issues in the UK around exam stress, frequent testing and parental pressure, but found no direct link between ‘academic performance’ and ‘happiness’.
Countries such as Switzerland, Poland and Holland scored above the UK for both academic performance and happiness; while teenagers in countries such as South Korea and Czech Republic, although scoring higher academically, scored lower in terms of their well-being.
A recent article by Sian Griffiths in the Sunday Times reports on the findings of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which questioned over 500,000 teenagers in 72 countries about their well-being and their academic performance. The report highlighted issues in the UK around exam stress, frequent testing and parental pressure, but found no direct link between ‘academic performance’ and ‘happiness’.
Countries such as Switzerland, Poland and Holland scored above the UK for both academic performance and happiness; while teenagers in countries such as South Korea and Czech Republic, although scoring higher academically, scored lower in terms of their well-being.
More availability...
We now have an extra counselling room available, giving me more flexibility in making appointments for young people to tie in with their school / college hours. During the week I run sessions for young people throughout the day, up until 8.00pm in the evening.
We now have an extra counselling room available, giving me more flexibility in making appointments for young people to tie in with their school / college hours. During the week I run sessions for young people throughout the day, up until 8.00pm in the evening.
Useful links to other organisations / agencies
There is a new page available called useful links that signposts other organisations / agencies / that you may find useful
There is a new page available called useful links that signposts other organisations / agencies / that you may find useful
Social media and mental health
The BACP reports on work carried out by The National Union of Students, in it’s May 2017 ‘Therapy Today’. The NUS report ‘Further education and Mental health’ suggests that 24/7 social media can to lead to young people continually seeking validation from their contemporaries and that this can often leave them feeling isolated and neglected.
The BACP reports on work carried out by The National Union of Students, in it’s May 2017 ‘Therapy Today’. The NUS report ‘Further education and Mental health’ suggests that 24/7 social media can to lead to young people continually seeking validation from their contemporaries and that this can often leave them feeling isolated and neglected.
Young people and mental health
The BBC reports on the recent ‘National Study of Health and Wellbeing’ survey, that shows a growing divide between the proportions of young women and young men who are reporting mental health problems. According to the article, 26% of young women surveyed (16-24) reported a common mental health disorder, compared to 9% for young men. The survey suggests that as this generation is the first to come of age in the context of social media, more research needs to be done into its impact on mental health.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-37504679
The BBC reports on the recent ‘National Study of Health and Wellbeing’ survey, that shows a growing divide between the proportions of young women and young men who are reporting mental health problems. According to the article, 26% of young women surveyed (16-24) reported a common mental health disorder, compared to 9% for young men. The survey suggests that as this generation is the first to come of age in the context of social media, more research needs to be done into its impact on mental health.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-37504679
Children’s exposure to online porn
A survey by the NSPCC has found that more than half of children have encountered online pornography by the time they reach 16. Anne Longfield , the Children’s Commissioner for England, thinks that more needs to be done to restrict children’s access to pornography “very many children are shocked, confused or disgusted by what they see and it is our duty to help them to challenge and make sense of it”.
A survey by the NSPCC has found that more than half of children have encountered online pornography by the time they reach 16. Anne Longfield , the Children’s Commissioner for England, thinks that more needs to be done to restrict children’s access to pornography “very many children are shocked, confused or disgusted by what they see and it is our duty to help them to challenge and make sense of it”.
Family relationships and self-esteem remain top concerns
The results of ChildLine’s 2014/15 report about the contacts to its helpline are presented in an article by the BACP in its February 2016 issue of ‘Therapy Today'. The report shows that family relationships and self-esteem remain top concerns for children and young people, but that contacts about bullying and ‘online’ bullying have increased significantly among younger children. Contacts with ChildLine around concerns around pregnancy and parenting have also risen within older teenagers and young people.
The results of ChildLine’s 2014/15 report about the contacts to its helpline are presented in an article by the BACP in its February 2016 issue of ‘Therapy Today'. The report shows that family relationships and self-esteem remain top concerns for children and young people, but that contacts about bullying and ‘online’ bullying have increased significantly among younger children. Contacts with ChildLine around concerns around pregnancy and parenting have also risen within older teenagers and young people.
Impact of bullying in schools
The BACP published an article in its December 2015 issue of ‘Therapy Today’, reporting on a poll carried out by the Anti-bullying alliance who interviewed 1,496 16-25 year olds and 170 teachers. They suggest that bullying at school, including the ever-increasing use of cyber-bullying, can have longer-lasting effects, including low self-esteem and difficulties in forming relationships. The Anti-bullying alliance want greater investment in teacher training and school-based counselling.
The BACP published an article in its December 2015 issue of ‘Therapy Today’, reporting on a poll carried out by the Anti-bullying alliance who interviewed 1,496 16-25 year olds and 170 teachers. They suggest that bullying at school, including the ever-increasing use of cyber-bullying, can have longer-lasting effects, including low self-esteem and difficulties in forming relationships. The Anti-bullying alliance want greater investment in teacher training and school-based counselling.
ChildLine’s bulletin board
The ChildLine website provides information on a range of issues aimed specifically at young people, offering background information and practical suggestions – topics include homes and families, friends, dealing with feelings and emotions, bullying, racism, puberty, eating, self-harm ..... http://www.childline.org.uk/explore/Pages/Explore.aspx
The ChildLine website provides information on a range of issues aimed specifically at young people, offering background information and practical suggestions – topics include homes and families, friends, dealing with feelings and emotions, bullying, racism, puberty, eating, self-harm ..... http://www.childline.org.uk/explore/Pages/Explore.aspx
MindMate Leeds
As part of an NHS funded mental health information service for 12–19 year olds in Leeds, MindMate is a new website addressing some of the issues that could be affecting young people; such as 24-hour social networking, unrealistic body ideals and the pressures of education, jobs and careers. It is designed for young people, parents and carers and highlights the resources, services and help available. https://www.mindmate.org.uk
As part of an NHS funded mental health information service for 12–19 year olds in Leeds, MindMate is a new website addressing some of the issues that could be affecting young people; such as 24-hour social networking, unrealistic body ideals and the pressures of education, jobs and careers. It is designed for young people, parents and carers and highlights the resources, services and help available. https://www.mindmate.org.uk
autism
awareness
The Harrogate & District branch of the National Autistic Society ran an awareness day in July 2015 on understanding and supporting children with autism, high levels of stress and anxiety. http://www.autism.org.uk/news-and-events/nas-conferences.aspx
The Harrogate & District branch of the National Autistic Society ran an awareness day in July 2015 on understanding and supporting children with autism, high levels of stress and anxiety. http://www.autism.org.uk/news-and-events/nas-conferences.aspx
increasing
emotional problems amongst girls
The BACP ran a story in it’s May 2015 edition of its ‘Therapy Today’ magazine, reporting on a study by UCL and the Anna Freud centre, suggesting that there has been a significant increase in the numbers of Year 7 and Year 8 girls at risk of emotional problems. They suggest that contributing factors could be academic pressure and an increase in sexualisation and objectification that is becoming amplified by social media.
The BACP ran a story in it’s May 2015 edition of its ‘Therapy Today’ magazine, reporting on a study by UCL and the Anna Freud centre, suggesting that there has been a significant increase in the numbers of Year 7 and Year 8 girls at risk of emotional problems. They suggest that contributing factors could be academic pressure and an increase in sexualisation and objectification that is becoming amplified by social media.
half
of families forecast to have just a single child
An article by Kevin Dowling, Becky Barrow and Jenny Morris in The Sunday Times 04/01/15 reports on the analysis of recent figures released by the ONS that shows that the number of single child families has increased from 42% in 2003 to 47% in 2013; and is forecast to rise to 50% within the next 7 years.
The trend for single child households is rising across all family types, regardless of whether the parents are married, co-habiting, or living on their own; although there is a trend emerging for 'wealthy' families to have more children and for the less well-off to have just one. The article talks about the dangers of raising a generation of ‘little emperors’ deprived of the lessons learned by having siblings; but also quotes research done at Kent University that shows that having no siblings makes no difference to a child’s outcome.
An article by Kevin Dowling, Becky Barrow and Jenny Morris in The Sunday Times 04/01/15 reports on the analysis of recent figures released by the ONS that shows that the number of single child families has increased from 42% in 2003 to 47% in 2013; and is forecast to rise to 50% within the next 7 years.
The trend for single child households is rising across all family types, regardless of whether the parents are married, co-habiting, or living on their own; although there is a trend emerging for 'wealthy' families to have more children and for the less well-off to have just one. The article talks about the dangers of raising a generation of ‘little emperors’ deprived of the lessons learned by having siblings; but also quotes research done at Kent University that shows that having no siblings makes no difference to a child’s outcome.
new
guidance for schools on providing counselling for pupils
In its December 2014 issue of ‘Therapy Today’, the BACP reports on a package of measures announced by Sam Gymiah, Childcare and Education minister, to set out a blueprint for counselling services in both primary and secondary schools. http://www.therapytoday.net/article/show/4598/
In its December 2014 issue of ‘Therapy Today’, the BACP reports on a package of measures announced by Sam Gymiah, Childcare and Education minister, to set out a blueprint for counselling services in both primary and secondary schools. http://www.therapytoday.net/article/show/4598/
rise in number of children self-harming in Harrogate
Harrogate Advertiser ran this front page article in its 18th September 2014 edition about the rise in the number of Harrogate children deliberately hurting themselves. The article includes input from Harrogate & District NHS, CAMHS and Relate and explains how self-harm is often a mechanism for coping with stress, anxiety or pressure.
It also suggests that self-harm is almost becoming ‘normalised’ amongst teenagers as a way to deal with stress and often ‘hides’ underlying problems; and that the ‘real’ solution is understanding the root courses of issues and then to help children to communicate and to find solutions.
http://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/health/local-health/charities-demand-action-over-rise-in-harrogate-self-harm-figures-1-6848490
Harrogate Advertiser ran this front page article in its 18th September 2014 edition about the rise in the number of Harrogate children deliberately hurting themselves. The article includes input from Harrogate & District NHS, CAMHS and Relate and explains how self-harm is often a mechanism for coping with stress, anxiety or pressure.
It also suggests that self-harm is almost becoming ‘normalised’ amongst teenagers as a way to deal with stress and often ‘hides’ underlying problems; and that the ‘real’ solution is understanding the root courses of issues and then to help children to communicate and to find solutions.
http://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/health/local-health/charities-demand-action-over-rise-in-harrogate-self-harm-figures-1-6848490
news archive - see older news stories and articles giving background information